Bhutan & Nepal: Heart of the Himalaya

Arrive in Kathmandu, where you are met and transferred to your hotel.

On an experience exclusively for A&K guests, enter Kopan Nunnery and Monastery, where a monk or nun leads you in a private guided meditation session. After lunch, ride by rickshaw to Kathmandu Durbar Square and Taleju Temple, see the House of the Living Goddess (Kumari), and stroll the bazaar and old city. Later, hear a lecture by a Mount Everest summiteer.

Visit Pashupatinath, a Hindu temple built in a pagoda style. Continue to Boudhanath, home to a Buddhist shrine, where you meet a local artisan for an overview on thangka (scroll) paintings and Buddhism and enjoy a Scenic Sundowner.

Fly to Paro, your gateway to Bhutan, a nation whose cultural traditions remain well preserved. Travel to Thimphu, where you visit the National Memorial Chorten. Later, stroll through the town of Thimphu.

Drive over the Dochula Pass, seeing the colorful prayer flags en route to Punakha. Take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of the Divine Madman), a storied fertility temple, continuing to Punakha Dzong.

Today, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities. Hike Wangditse Nature Trail, a two-hour scenic walk through fields to Wangtse Monastery, with stunning views. Offer Butter Lamps at a Monastery in Thimphu, and explore the Folk Heritage and National Textile Museum. Ascend to Buddha Point to view the soaring Buddha Dordenma statue and visit a sanctuary for the takin (gnu). Tonight, gather for dinner at your hotel.

Journey overland to Paro, stopping en route to visit local farmers at their farmhouse. Once in Paro, view the religious thangka paintings and explore the National Museum of Bhutan. Proceed to Kyichu Lhakhang, a seventh-century Himalayan Buddhist temple.

Today, you may choose to attempt the climb to Taktsang Monastery (“Tiger’s Nest”). This hike is intentionally difficult, intended as an arduous pilgrimage for Buddhist devotees. Upon your descent, celebrate your trek with a Champagne toast and a specially arranged picnic breakfast with local entertainment. Later, try your hand at archery, Bhutan’s national sport.

Fly to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, proceed to Bhaktapur, a city founded in the ninth century, viewing its palace constructed in the 17th century by famed King Bhupatindra Malla as well as Nyatapola, a striking five-tiered temple built in an angular pagoda style.

Explore Patan to see Durbar Square and the former royal palace. Participate in a Chef’s Table cooking class at a local family’s home, learning about local cuisine and daily life in Nepal. Continue to Swayambhunath, one of the most sacred shrines for Tibetan Buddhists. Later, savor a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your departing flight.