Himalayan Kingdoms -Thailand, Bhutan, Nepal & Tibet (2010)
| Overview | Itinerary | Dates & Prices | Customize this Trip | Ask a Question |
Itinerary
Become a member to reserve this Marco Polo Club Invitational Program
- Days 1-3: USA/Bangkok,Thailand
-
Fly overnight to Bangkok. After a morning at leisure, gather for lunch and a tour briefing. This afternoon, cruise along Bangkok's canals to visit the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Your welcome dinner is held on a private rice barge on the Chao Phraya River.
Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok Day 3: B L D - Day 4: Bangkok/Paro, Bhutan/ Thimphu
-
Fly over the Himalaya to Paro, observing the world's highest glacial peaks as you go. Drive to the National Memorial Chorten, perpetuating the memory of Bhutan's third king and the "father of modern Bhutan." The finely executed wall paintings and delicately fashioned statues within the monument provide deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. Continue to Tashichhodzong, "fortress of the glorious religion." This evening, take a stroll through Thimphu's main street and then attend a traditional cultural performance by a local artist.
Taj Tashi B L D - Day 5: Thimphu
-
Attend a special match of archery, Bhutan's national sport. After lunch, visit the National Library and the National Institute for Zorig Chusum. Continue to the fascinating Textile and Folk Heritage Museum. This evening, an expert on Buddhism joins you for a discussion.
Taj Tashi B L D - Day 6: Thimphu/Paro
-
Stop in Chuzom at the confluence of the Paro and Thimphu Rivers. Later, wander through the Ta Dzong, housing a fascinating collection of art, relics and religious thangkha (scroll) paintings. Then walk to Rinpung Dzong, the palatial administrative center. Glimpse farming life when you have tea at a traditional farmhouse.
Uma Paro B L D - Day 7: Paro
-
Participate in a puja (prayer ceremony) at a monastery, where you receive a blessing. Then attend a session on Buddhist teachings. After lunch, view the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang, a sacred shrine.
Uma Paro B L D - Day 8: Paro/Kathmandu, Nepal
-
Fly to Kathmandu and embark on a city tour. During the 14th century, artisans constructed temples, monasteries and elaborate courtyards that created a fascinating architectural history. Visit Durbar Square and Teleju Temple, with its gilded roofs. See the gate to Hanuman Dhoka, the old Royal Palace. Walk through the bazaar and labyrinthine back 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 B L D - Day 9: Kathmandu
-
Stroll along the cobbled pavements of Bhaktapur and stop to see the Lion Gate, the Art Gallery, the Golden Gate and the Palace of Fifty-five Windows. After lunch, visit Bodhnath, home to what is possibly the world's largest Buddhist stupa (shrine). Continue to the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath. During dinner, watch a performance by Nepalese folk dancers.
Dwarika's Hotel B L D - Days 10-11: Kathmandu/Lhasa, China
-
Fly to Lhasa, the administrative capital of the district of Tibet. The remainder of your day is at leisure to adjust to the altitude. The next day, explore the towering seventh-century Potala Palace and Sanggye Dhunghor (One Thousand Buddha Cliff). After lunch, visit Norbulingka, the Dalai Lama's Summer Palace, and then proceed to the Tibet Museum that celebrates Tibet's culture.
Four Points by Sheraton Lhasa B L D - Day 12: Lhasa
-
Meet the nuns at the Ani Tsangku nunnery and attend a chanting ceremony. Walk to the Jokhang Temple and the Barkhor Bazaar. After lunch, visit the 15th-century Sera Monastery where you can witness the monks debating about Buddhism. A Tibetan dignitary is on hand to explain the process and the significance of the debate. Meet with a representative of Braille Without Borders, a residential school for blind Tibetan children. You are entertained by traditional Tibetan music and dance at this evening's dinner.
Four Points by Sheraton Lhasa B L D - Day 13: Lhasa/Kathmandu, Nepal
-
Fly back to Kathmandu and this afternoon explore Patan. Visit the Patan Museum for lunch and a tour. Then explore the Royal Baths, Mahaboudha, Krishna Mandir and Hiranya Verna Mahabihar (the Golden Temple). You have a private audience with Patan's Living Goddess (Kumari Devi). Later, attend a farewell dinner.
Dwarika's Hotel B L D - Day 14: Kathmandu/Bangkok, Thailand
-
Fly to Bangkok. The rest of your evening is at leisure.
Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport B D - Day 15: Bangkok/USA or Canada
-
Board your homebound flight.
B
Follow us:
