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Take a step back in time and join us on this enriching, non-trekking journey to the “Roof of the World” for an eye-opening look into traditions and cultures far removed from our own. You’ll first explore incomparable Tibet, where you’ll meet the indomitable Tibetan people who maintain their spiritual identity in the face of overwhelming odds. Then, a breathtaking flight over the Himalaya whisks you to Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital, an unforgettable melting pot of Hindu and Buddhist cultures. In its markets and bazaars you’ll rub shoulders with some of Nepal’s very diverse people. Then it’s on to Bhutan, a true bastion of tradition in an uncertain world, where you’ll find a picture-perfect kingdom of serene, forested valleys, magnificent castle-like monasteries, and a friendly, welcoming people. Three countries to explore—and a world of fascinating insights.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Experience three Himalayan kingdoms—all on one great trip!
  
• Explore Tibet’s monasteries and meet Tibetans in their rapidly-changing homeland
  
• Visit the Kathmandu Valley’s well-preserved medieval towns
  
• Discover Bhutan, one of the most tradition-bound lands in the world
  

Book Early for all trips including Bhutan!

Flights between Bangkok and Paro on Druk Air, Bhutan’s national airline, sell out six to eight months in advance. We recommend you reserve your Bhutan trip as early as possible, so we can secure these flights for you.

Check out our Himalaya Feature (including slideshows, stories, facts, and more). Also, read more about the good news out of Nepal this November and learn more about the new King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, who took over as the fifth Druk Gyalpo in Bhutan this December!

Day 1 - Arrive in Chengdu, China.

Day 2 - Fly to Lhasa airport, Tibet. Drive to Tsedang (11,152') in the Yarlung Valley, “the cradle of Tibetan civilization.”

Day 3 - Visit Samye Monastery, the oldest monastery in Tibet.

Days 4-6 - Drive to Lhasa. Tour the major cultural monuments, including the amazing gold-roofed Potala Palace, Jokhang, Norbulingka, Drepung Monastery, and the Barkor bazaar, a lively congregating place for Tibetan merchants. You’ll also visit Ganden Monastery (14,760'), where you’ll make a short kora (sacred circuit) and enjoy stunning views of the Kyichu Valley.

Days 7-8 - Fly to Kathmandu, Nepal. Visit the nearby medieval town of Bhaktapur, the Buddhist stupas of Bodhnath (largest in Nepal), and the Hindu temple of Pashupati on the banks of the Bagmati River.

Day 9 - Fly to Paro, Bhutan. Drive to Thimphu, the capital, and tour the local sights.

Day 10 - Day hike to Cheri and Tango monasteries outside of Thimphu.

Day 11 - Drive to Punakha and visit spectacularly situated Punakha Dzong (dzongs are fortress-like citadels).

Day 12 - Drive to the Shangri-La setting of the Paro Valley and visit the National Museum and the Paro Dzong.

Day 13 - Day hike on a steep switchback trail through the forest to a viewpoint of Taktsang Monastery (option to continue farther to the monastery itself).

Days 14-15 - Fly to Bangkok. Depart Bangkok on Day 15.

Photo Credits
©Alison Wright