Bhutan, Nepal
& Tibet

The flight to Paro is not for the fainthearted. As the plane touches down between mountain monasteries and glacial rivers, passengers crowd to the plane’s windows, watching as the wings skirt the valley walls. As soon as you step into Bhutan’s famously clean air, you’ll feel the sense of magic that permeates throughout this spellbinding nation. A short drive will take you to the first of Bhutan’s storied ‘dzong’ palace-forts – Simtokha Dzong (Sangkak Zabdhon Phodrang) “Palace of the Profound Meaning of Secret Mantras”.

You’ll awake in the tiny capital of Thimphu, a city lost in time. Bhutan measures its wealth in happiness: they have no cigarettes, no plastic bags, and not a traffic warden in sight. This charming city is squeezed between valley walls and contains only low-rise traditional architecture. We’ll drive you to Punakha through the panoramic Dochula Pass and the hilltop monastery of Chimi Lhakhang. Here you can learn about Mahamudra Buddhism and Bhutan’s revered “Divine Madman”. You’ll then visit the Punakha Dzong, the second oldest in Bhutan. It’s one of the best spots to marvel at the impossibly vivid colours of Bhutanese craftsmanship.

Stunning stupas and intricately detailed monasteries will leave you slack-jawed on your third day. We’ll start by taking you to The Memorial Chorten and the Folk Heritage Museum so that you can learn more about Bhutan’s unique way of life. After a brief stop at the government-run handicraft emporium, we’ll take you to Paro Dzong and the National Museum of Bhutan. The view from the hilltop tower will give you a vivid sense of why the Bhutanese believe their land is heaven-blessed.

You’ll put your walking shoes to good use on your fourth day, but the reward will be worth the effort. You’ll ride to the base of Taktsang Monastery, also known as the “Tiger’s Nest”. The scarlet and gold monastery nestled on a cliff’s edge is undeniably one of the most remarkable sights on Earth. Horses are available to take you as far as the midway café, where you can dine with the Tiger’s Nest in view! Before flying to your next destination, you’ll go on a quick trip to the ancient monastery of Kyichu Lhakhang.

After the tranquillity of Bhutan, Kathmandu will feel like another world. The vibrant streets of Nepal’s capital are alive with colour, spirituality, and charm, and its nightlife is second to none. We’ll take you on a day trip to the ancient city of Bhaktapur, “The City of Devotees”. It’s known for its red-brick architecture, diversity of faith, and unique handicrafts. There are no cars here; instead, you’ll walk among medieval-era five-storey temples, golden gates, and artistic grandeur.

After a Nepali breakfast we’ll take you to the famous hippie-haunt of Pokhara. This stunning lakeside city has been a traveller’s favourite since the days of The Beatles. Its clean air and snow-capped Annapurna mountain views have given it the well-earned nickname, “The Jewel of the Himalayas”. Adrenaline junkies can get their fix as we go whitewater rafting on crystal clear waters. You’ll have the rest of the day to explore to your heart’s content.

You’ll start your day by walking up forested hills to the giant Peace Pagoda, gifted to Nepal by Japan. The views from the top are nothing short of sublime; you’ll be able to look out over the entirety of Pokhara, its stunning lake, distant mountains, and emerald forests. After stopping at the International Mountain Museum, we’ll take you on a boat-ride to an island temple.

On your eighth day, we’ll fly you back to Kathmandu. We’ll guide you through its lively produce markets where you can sample the best of Nepal’s mouthwatering cuisine. It’s not every day that you can say you’ve seen a living goddess, but if you’re lucky, you’ll get to see Nepal’s mystical “Kumari” as she appears in her temple-abode’s balcony. Next comes Lalitpur (Patan), the city of artisans – famed for its fine arts and cultural legacy. The city’s narrow streets hide tiny temples and a distinct old-world charm you won’t find anywhere else.

On your flight to Tibet you’ll see Mount Everest piercing the Himalayan clouds. Tibet hosts surreally beautiful landscapes, astounding architecture, and a spiritual culture like no other. You’ll stay in Lhasa, a fascinating city known for its deep religious significance and troubled past. Dine on Tibetan cuisine as you soak up views of Potala Palace.

We’ll show you around some of Lhasa’s best sites. You’ll visit both Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery. Both are situated in stunning locations on the outskirts of Tibet’s capital, and both have their own distinctive charm. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to watch the famous fighting monks. You’ll learn about Tibetan Buddhism under the bluest skies you’ll ever see.

Sitting on a rocky outcrop in the middle of this holiest of cities, Potala Palace is one of the most astonishing buildings ever raised. Photographs simply can’t do justice to its size and grandeur. Once home to the Dalai Lama, and the resting place of his predecessors, the palace offers views, inside and out, that defy description.

Next up, Jokhang, the most revered site in Tibetan Buddhism. Amid candlelight and incense, you’ll study the ancient murals adorning this 1,300-year-old temple. After, we’ll take you to the eighteenth-century Summer Palace: Norbulingka. Meander past its lakes and through manicured gardens while learning the history of the Lamas. Finish your day with a tour of Barkhor, the oldest and most traditional quarter of Lhasa. It’s here that pilgrims prostrate themselves around the Jokhang. It’s also the perfect spot for some souvenir shopping.

After a scenic drive back to the airport, we’ll fly you back to Kathmandu, giving you another chance to catch Mount Everest on the way. Once you’ve landed, we’ll take you to Pashupatinath, where intricately painted holy men, known as “sadhus”, make for some unparalleled photographic opportunities. Here, the dead are cremated openly, and their ashes are scattered into the holy Bagmati River; it’s a surreal and sobering experience. Finally, it’s on to the gigantic Boudhanath Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site adorned with thousands of colourful prayer flags.

After visiting three extraordinary destinations, learning about ancient religions, taking in unrivalled scenery, dining on diverse cuisine, partying with new friends, and getting your adventure fix, it will finally be time to fly home. Having ridden the thunder dragon to the roof of the world, you’ll return home with memories most people can only dream of.