Culture

Drive from Kathmandu to hotel

Welcome dinner at Nepal's architecturally marvellous hotel

Explore Swayambhunath Stupa

Explore Kathmandu Durbar Square, with museum and Kumari (Living Goddess) house

Drive to Bouddha, and explore Bouddhanath Stupa and nearby monasteries

Dinner at an exquisite rooftop overlooking grand stupa

Heli flight from Kathmandu to Lukla 45 mins

A short, scenic and exhilarating mountain flight takes us from Manthali to Lukla, the gateway of Everest Region.

Trek from Lukla to Monjo 5 to 6 hrs | 12 kms

We meet the rest of our crew, arrange our baggages, have breakfast, and embark on a journey to Monjo, passing exciting suspension bridges and tiny village settlements following the Koshi river.

Trek from Monjo to Namche 3.5 to 4 hrs | 6 kms

We walk northward along the banks of Koshi and reach the entry point of Sagarmatha National Park, from where the gruelling uphill awaits before we reach the amphitheater town of Namche, nestled perfectly atop a hill.

Trek from Namche to Khumjung, and to Syangboche 4 to 5 hrs | 8 kms

We take it slow and easy to the peaceful and serene settlement of Khumjung today. We stop by Hotel Everest View for a stunning view of the Everest mountain chain on the way. The green-roofed valley of Khumjung and Khunde offers several options to explore, including a monastery housing a (supposed) yeti scalp and a school established by Edmund Hillary.

Heli flight over EBC and land at Kalapathhar 5 to 6 hrs

Breakfast at Hotel Everest View

Heli flight to Kathmandu

Fly from Kathmandu to Bharatpur Airport, Chitwan

Drive from airport to Barahi Jungle Lodge 1 | hr

Boat safari (afternoon) with Sundowner at confluence point

Floating downstream the Rapti River, towards the western boundary of the park formed by Himalayan Narayani, boat safari will be arranged for evening time offering our unique sundowner experience at the confluence point. (Note: These activities are combined with the hotel guests)

Jeep Safari with Breakfast in the jungle 3.5 to 4 hrs

Proceed for the Jeep Safari crossing the Rapti River by Patela Boat to start with from Bhimle army check post. There are two choices of routes available, which our naturalists pick upon their experience on current sightings and animal movement. (Note: These activities are combined with the hotel guests)

Drive to Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge 5 to 6 hrs

After lunch, we drive to Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge for a unique experience.

Elephant river walk and bathing with sundowner

End your day by the bank of the Narayani river watching one of Nepal's famous sunsets. Here the elephants will be let loose to cool down in the water and relax, while our bar staff are on hand with cold drinks of your choice.

Leisure morning

Drive from Tharu lodge to Airport

Afternoon flight back to Kathmandu

Farewell dinner

Bhaktapur Durbar Square sightseeing

Departure

Drive from Paro International Airport to Thimpu 1 hrs

Step into the kingdom of Bhutan by landing at Paro International Airport. Depending on the arrival time, we will have a quick lunch or coffee break in Paro town and continue on a picturesque one-hour drive to Thimphu. At Thimpu, immerse yourself in the vibrant streets, lively markets and the pulse of the town. We conclude our day at our hotel in Thimpu. If you arrive early, we take you to Tachogang Lhakhang enroute Thimpu. This spiritual haven pays homage to Thangtong Gyalpo, also known as 'The Iron Bridge Builder’. We walk past the iron suspension bridge and explore the confluence of the Thimphu and Paro rivers.

Explore the vibrant city of Thimpu

Today, we have a line up of interesting exploration and cultural immersion waiting us including Kuensel Phodrang / Buddha Point – 51.5 meters Shakyamuni Buddha statue and view of Thimphu valley. You can also opt for an hour’s hike around the Buddha. Besides, we also visit Memorial Chorten / Stupa – Congregation of devout Buddhists circumambulating the Chorten from dawn till dusk, Bhutan Postal Museum -make your personalized stamps with your photo and use them to send postcards to your family and friends around the world, Takin Preserve – Takin the national animal of Bhutan, Centenary Farmers Market/Kaja Throm, Craft Bazaar – single line of shops selling traditional made in Bhutan arts and crafts. If time permits, we will also explore Tashi Chho Dzong/ Fortress of Splendid Religion - office of the Golden Throne of the Dragon King.

Drive from Thimpu to Punakha with exploration on the way

Set off on a captivating 2-hour drive to Punakha and Wangdue valleys. Along the way, we catch your breath at Dochula Pass, 3,150 meters high. On clear days, one can witness the awe-inspiring snow-capped Himalayas. We will also explore the 108 chortens, Lobesa market and the famed Chime Lhakhang, the Temple of Fertility. Marvel at the newly renovated Wangdue Dzong and take a leisurely stroll through quaint market pockets.

Explore Punakha

Embark on an enriching 2-hour hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel, treated to captivating valley vistas, terraced paddy fields, and a meandering river. Explore the awe-inspiring Punakha Dzong, a Fortress of Great Bliss, and cross the longest iron suspension bridge on foot. Behold the breathtaking valley from Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery, where engaging interactions with English-speaking nuns await. The day wraps up with a comfortable night's stay at your Punakha hotel.

Drive from Punakha to Paro

Embark on a scenic 3-hour drive back to Paro. We check-in at the hotel and catch a quick rest.

Explore Paro and visit Zuri Dzong

Prepare for an enchanting Zuri Dzong Hike, treating you to sweeping panoramic views. Explore the historic Drugyal Dzong, symbolizing victory. Later, we meander through the quaint Paro town and the vibrant markets.

Hike to the iconic Takstang - The Tiger's Nest (3139m / 10300 ft) 4 to 5 hrs | 9 kms

After breakfast, we gear up for an invigorating hike to the most important cultural icon of Bhutan, Taktsang Monastery. The hike is a 3-hour uphill journey rewarded with a 2-hour downhill trek. On the way, we also visit Kyichu Lhakhang, an ancient temple dating back to the 7th century.

Archery and exploration

Later, you have the options to engage in traditional archery for some Bhutanese fun, and delve into the culinary culture with a Bhutanese cooking experience, either learning the craft or creating your own delectable meal.

Traditional hot stone bath

We end our trip with a traditional hot stone bath at a farmhouse in Paro - white round stones picked up from the riversides are roasted in fire until red hot and then immersed in a wooden tub of fresh spring water sprinkled with herbs. These hot stones baths are supposed to be very curative with numerous medicinal and healing properties and has been the practice since the ancient times in Bhutan. We have a farewell dinner with our team at the hotel.

Drive from hotel to the Paro International Airport

We have out breakfast at the hotel and drive to Paro International Airport.

Fly to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet Autonomous Region

Tentative flight departure time from Chengdu: 08:00 and arrival in Lhasa: 10:25

Acclimatization, easy exploration around Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Market

You can rest for the day or go walking around for acclimatization. We will have a briefing over dinner.

Explore Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery

After breakfast, we continue our tour to Drepung Monastery which showcases exquisite architecture and peaceful courtyards. Later at Sera Monastery, we experience a tranquil ambiance against the backdrop of beautiful murals.

Explore Potala Palace, and a traditional village near Lhasa

Our sightseeing tour begins with the magnificent Potala Palace. Its layered structure houses intricate chambers adorned with sacred art. The tour then leads to the Jokhang Temple, a spiritual nucleus blending various architectural styles. We then head to the bustling Barkhor Market with stalls offering Tibetan artifacts.

Drive from Lhasa to Shigatse via Yamdrok lake

Today, you'll drive to the stunning Yamdrok Lake in Tibet, passing over the high Kampa La (4750m) and Karo La (5010m) passes, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and turquoise waters. Enjoy breathtaking views, take beautiful photos, and explore this sacred lake, believed to be a goddess in transformation. Continue your drive to Gyantse to visit the 15th-century Pelkhor Monastery, renowned for its vivid murals, clay sculptures, and the coexistence of three Tibetan Buddhist sects (Gelug, Sakya, and Kagyu). If time allows, explore the chapels of the iconic Kumbum Stupa before continuing to Shigatse, Tibet's second-largest city, where you'll arrive in the late afternoon.

Explore Shitgatse

Visit the secluded Shalu Monastery, 20 km (12 mi) southeast of Shigatse, known for its blend of Tibetan, Han, Indian, and Nepalese styles, along with well-preserved murals, sculptures, and engravings from the 11th-14th centuries. Then tour Tashilhunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas, featuring the Maitreya Buddha statue, Panchen Lamas’ stupas, exquisite murals, and ancient relics.

Drive from Shigatse to Lhasa

Drive from hotel to airport

Drive from Kathmandu to hotel

Welcome dinner at Nepal's architecturally marvellous hotel

Explore Swayambhunath Stupa

Explore Kathmandu Durbar Square, with museum and Kumari (Living Goddess) house

Drive to Bouddha, and explore Bouddhanath Stupa and nearby monasteries

Dinner at an exquisite rooftop overlooking grand stupa

Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara Airport 30 mins

Breakfast and walk along Phewa Lake 2 to 3 hrs

Drive to Lumle 2 hrs

Trek from Lumle to Majhgaon 1 to 1.5 hr | 4 kms

Trek from Majhgaon to Landruk 4 to 5 hrs | 12.5 kms

Trek from Landruk to Ghandruk 5 to 7 hrs | 11 kms

Drive from Ghandruk to Begnas 3 to 3.5 hrs

Boat to Begnas Lake Resort

Ayurvedic spa and therapy

Fly from Pokhara airport to Chitwan 20 mins

Drive from airport to Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge

Elephant river walk and bathing with sundowner

Tharu Cultural dance OR Kumal Cultural Dance

Morning river safari on a dugout canoe

Jeep Safari with picnic lunch in the jungle

Leisure morning

This morning, you have an option to go for a birdwatching hike in the community forest with our naturalist or go for a lovely village tour in the Tharu villages. Tharus are the indigenous tribe dominating the Terai lands and with a very interesting culture and way of living.

Drive from Tharu lodge to Airport

Afternoon flight back to Kathmandu

Drive from hotel to Kathmandu airport

Drive from Kathmandu to hotel

Welcome dinner at Nepal's architecturally marvellous hotel

Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara 30 mins

Explore Pokhara

Drive from Pokhara to Kobang 4 to 5 hrs

Drive from Kobang to Kagbeni, explore Marpha and Muktinath 5 to 6 hrs

Drive from Kagbeni to Ghami 3 to 4 hrs

Drive from Ghami to Lomanthang. Explore Ghar Gompa on the way 4 to 5 hrs

Side trip to Chhoser caves 4 to 5 hrs

Option to hike or drive

Side trip to Samdzong village 4 to 5 hrs

Option to hike or drive

Explore the monasteries in Lomanthang

Drive from Lomanthang to Charang. Explore Luri Gompa on the way 6 to 7 hrs

Drive from Charang to Kobang 5 to 6 hrs

Drive from Kobang to Pokhara

Easy day in Pokhara

Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu 30 to mins hrs

Evening flight

Drive from hotel to Kathmandu airport