Nepal & Bhutan

After an early breakfast, take a 2.5-mile walk to Kavre Village, an easy hike leading to the Kali Temple, known for its panoramic Himalayan views. Reached by a 1,000-step climb or a scenic forest trail, the temple's esplanade offers breathtaking vistas of the Dhulikhel mountains. Return to the hotel for a brief rest before checking out and begin the drive (21 miles, around 1.5 hours drive) to Kathmandu with a stop in Bhaktapur, an ancient city shaped like a conch shell at 4,600 feet above sea level. Bhaktapur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its medieval art, architecture, and traditional craftsmanship. Highlights include Bhaktapur Durbar Square, built by King Bhupatindra Malla, the iconic 55-Window Palace, and Nyatapola Temple—Nepal's tallest pagoda with five terraces guarded by symbolic stone figures. You will also visit Pottery Square and try traditional pottery making. Continue to Kathmandu, the capital city in a valley surrounded by four hills and home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Kathmandu Marriott Hotel (Deluxe room)

Today's exploration of Kathmandu begins with a visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square, once the royal palace complex of the Malla kings and now home to an array of temples, monuments, and courtyards reflecting the city's rich cultural heritage. Highlights include the sacred Kumari Bahal, the residence of the Living Goddess who symbolizes divine consciousness, and the striking idol of Kal Bhairav—an awe-inspiring representation of Lord Shiva's fierce form carved from a single stone. Continue to the towering Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest in the world and a significant pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists. Built on an octagonal base and adorned with prayer wheels, surrounded by monasteries and homes of Lamas. The day concludes with a visit to Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, an ancient Buddhist stupa perched on a hilltop offering sweeping views of the Kathmandu Valley. With its iconic all-seeing eyes of the Buddha gazing out from all four sides, Swayambhunath is a spiritual landmark and a serene spot to reflect.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Kathmandu Marriott Hotel (Deluxe room)

After an early morning transfer to the airport, board a scenic flight to Paro, Bhutan. Upon arrival, a driver will meet you and take you to Thimphu (34 miles, approx. 1 hour and 15 minutes drive), the charming capital city in a Himalayan valley. Unlike typical capitals, Thimphu offers a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, where ancient monasteries sit beside contemporary structures, and crimson-robed monks walk alongside office-goers. In the afternoon, visit the majestic Buddha Dordenma, a towering 170-foot bronze statue gilded in gold that overlooks the city from Kuenselphodrang Nature Park. Believed to fulfill an ancient prophecy, the statue houses 125,000 smaller Buddha figures and radiates a peaceful aura across the Thimphu Valley. Continue to the vibrant Centenary Farmers Market, the largest in Bhutan, where locals gather to sell fresh produce, artisanal goods, and handicrafts in a lively and colorful atmosphere (please note the market is closed on Tuesdays).

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Le Meridien (Classic room)

Start your day with an early morning trip to the 12th-century Changangkha Lhakhang Monastery to participate in a peaceful Tshewang ceremony. This sacred prayer ritual, led by monks, focuses on peace, prosperity, and good health, and is followed by a symbolic butter lamp offering. Return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, visit a traditional art and craft school to learn about the ancient technique of Thangkha painting, where natural pigments depict auspicious symbols and deities. Continue to the National Memorial Chorten, a Tibetan-style stupa dedicated to the Third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, and an essential place of worship for the Bhutanese. Creating personalized postage stamps at the Thimphu Post Office offers a fun opportunity to make an unforgettable, officially usable souvenir. For lunch, enjoy an authentic Bhutanese meal at the 150-year-old Babesa Heritage Home, lovingly restored to reflect the charm of traditional Bhutanese living. In the afternoon, visit the peaceful Drubthob Goema (Zilukha Nunnery), offering panoramic views of the Trashichhoedzong and a chance to interact with nuns who have dedicated their lives to spiritual practice. The day concludes with a traditional dress-wearing session, where guests can don Bhutan's elegant national attire, gho for men and kira for women, celebrating the country's rich textile heritage and cultural pride.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Le Meridien (Classic room)

After breakfast, drive back to Paro (77 miles, approximately 4 hours drive), crossing the Dochu La Pass, and arrive in Paro's picturesque valley, 7,217 feet above sea level. This valley's stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and ancient temples and monasteries are renowned. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and begin your afternoon exploration of Paro. Visit Ta Dzong, a former watchtower built in the 17th century to defend the Rinpung Dzong, now serving as Bhutan's National Museum since 1968, showcasing a remarkable collection of art, religious artifacts, and Bhutanese postage stamps. Then, take a short walk downhill to Rinpung Dzong, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, which houses both the district's monastic body and government offices. The dzong is renowned for its traditional covered bridge, Nemi Zam, and offers breathtaking views of the valley and its surroundings. It is also the site of the Paro Tshechu, an annual religious dance festival.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Naksel Boutique Hotel & SPA (Deluxe room)

After breakfast, embark on the iconic Taktshang Lhakhang hike, also known as the Tiger's Nest, one of Bhutan's most famous monasteries perched 900 meters above the Paro Valley. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche arrived on the back of a tigress to meditate, which is how the monastery earned its name. Revered as one of the holiest sites in Bhutan, it was visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and remains a pilgrimage destination for Bhutanese people. Despite the severe fire damage in 1998, the monastery was fully restored to its original grandeur. The hike is a 6-hour round trip, offering stunning views and a spiritual experience. In the afternoon, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest and most sacred temples, dating back to the 7th century. The Lhakhang complex consists of two temples: one built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and another built in 1968 by H.M. Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother of Bhutan.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Naksel Boutique Hotel & SPA (Deluxe room)

After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. In the late afternoon, visit the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, about 3.7 miles from central Kathmandu. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this revered Hindu temple is set amidst lush greenery on the banks of the Bagmati River. Built in a pagoda style with a gilded roof and intricately carved silver doors, the temple can be viewed from the east bank of the river, as entry is restricted for non-Hindus. Pashupatinath is especially bustling during the Maha Shivaratri festival, attracting over a million devotees.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Kathmandu Marriott Hotel (Deluxe room)

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

Meals: Breakfast