DAY 1-2
Kathmandu
On arrival in Kathmandu, you'll be met by your private guide, who will accompany you to your hotel. In the afternoon, rejoin your guide for an orientation tour focusing on the area around Durbar Square. The labyrinth of lanes around it are lined with shrines, temples, teahouses and markets. On Day 2 join your expert guide for a day exploring Kathmandu’s sacred sites, some of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
On arrival in Kathmandu, you'll be met by your private guide, who will accompany you to your hotel. In the afternoon, rejoin your guide for an orientation tour focusing on the area around Durbar Square. The labyrinth of lanes around it are lined with shrines, temples, teahouses and markets. On Day 2 join your expert guide for a day exploring Kathmandu’s sacred sites, some of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
DAY 3-4
Thimphu
On Day 3 fly to Paro in Bhutan, making sure you request a seat on the left-hand side of the plane for the best views of the Himalayas and Mount Everest! Once you've arrived and cleared customs, you'll be met by your Bhutanese guide and transferred to Thimphu, where the rest of your day will be at leisure. On Day 4 spend the day touring Thimphu with your guide.
On Day 3 fly to Paro in Bhutan, making sure you request a seat on the left-hand side of the plane for the best views of the Himalayas and Mount Everest! Once you've arrived and cleared customs, you'll be met by your Bhutanese guide and transferred to Thimphu, where the rest of your day will be at leisure. On Day 4 spend the day touring Thimphu with your guide.
DAY 5-6
Punakha
On Day 5 Visit Changangkha Lhakhang Monastery, perched on a ridge overlooking Thimphu. Set off through the pine forests via the Dochu La Pass, where you'll stop for tea with (on a clear day) spectacular views of the Himalayas. Once you've checked in to your Punakha hotel, there'll be time to explore the Punakha Dzong, widely considered to be the most beautiful of Bhutan's impressive fortresses. On Day 6 take a short drive out into Punakha Valley for a stroll through the rice fields to Chime Lhakhang. Built in the 15th century, the temple is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley, Bhutan's famous nonconformist saint. Walk on to a nearby farm house, where you'll be treated to a traditional lunch. It’s a fascinating insight into local life, with your guide acting as translator while you chat with your hosts. After the meal, visit the Nalanda Buddhist Institute, a monastic school established in the 8th century and home to around 125 monks of all ages, who welcome a conversation to help them practise for English lessons.
On Day 5 Visit Changangkha Lhakhang Monastery, perched on a ridge overlooking Thimphu. Set off through the pine forests via the Dochu La Pass, where you'll stop for tea with (on a clear day) spectacular views of the Himalayas. Once you've checked in to your Punakha hotel, there'll be time to explore the Punakha Dzong, widely considered to be the most beautiful of Bhutan's impressive fortresses. On Day 6 take a short drive out into Punakha Valley for a stroll through the rice fields to Chime Lhakhang. Built in the 15th century, the temple is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley, Bhutan's famous nonconformist saint. Walk on to a nearby farm house, where you'll be treated to a traditional lunch. It’s a fascinating insight into local life, with your guide acting as translator while you chat with your hosts. After the meal, visit the Nalanda Buddhist Institute, a monastic school established in the 8th century and home to around 125 monks of all ages, who welcome a conversation to help them practise for English lessons.