Temples, Dzongs & Taj

We meet you at Kathmandu Airport, assist with arrival formalities and transfer you to your hotel in Thamel – your base in Nepal’s vibrant capital. You settle in and take a first look at Kathmandu’s bustling streets. You have free time to rest after the flight or explore the lively lanes of Thamel at your own pace. This evening we host an informal briefing on the tour and the local area.

We take a guided tour of Bhaktapur’s pedestrian old centre – exploring its squares, temples and finely carved wooden buildings – before visiting Pashupatinath, the country’s most important Hindu temple, to observe ceremonies along the Bagmati River and learn about their spiritual meaning. You have time to wander narrow streets and glimpse traditional Newari life. We then visit the vast Boudhanath Stupa, a major centre of Tibetan Buddhism, and walk around it alongside pilgrims and monks.

We ride a rickshaw through the backstreets of Thamel to Durbar Square, passing small shops, temples and stupas on the way. We explore the historic square on foot, then drive up to Swayambhunath Stupa for hilltop views and a visit to the temple popularly known as the monkey temple.

We transfer you from your hotel to Kathmandu Airport for your onward flight, assisting with check in and departure. We fly across the Himalaya to Paro in Bhutan – on a clear day snow capped peaks stretch across the horizon. Arriving at Paro International Airport, framed by dramatic ridges, we begin our Bhutan journey and transfer to your hotel in the Paro Valley to settle in and enjoy a first taste of warm Bhutanese hospitality. We visit Ta Dzong, the former watchtower now housing the National Museum, then continue to Paro Dzong to stroll its courtyards and see how monastic and administrative life share the fortress. We finish at the Nado Poizokhang Incense Factory to learn the traditional art of incense making, watching artisans blend herbs such as juniper and sandalwood and hand roll sticks used in temples across Bhutan.

We drive from Paro towards Punakha via the scenic Dochu La Pass, watching the landscape shift from forested hillsides to high mountain panoramas. We pause at the pass to admire its 108 memorial chortens and far reaching Himalayan views – then stroll around the hilltop and breathe the cool mountain air. Later we take a gentle walk through fields and a small village to reach Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility blessing temple associated with the Divine Madman – and we learn about its colourful legends and the blessings sought by local families.

We follow a scenic trail beside the Mo Chhu and through terraced fields to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten, enjoying sweeping mountain views and glimpses of rural life as we climb to the hilltop shrine. We then explore Punakha Dzong – the spectacular fortress at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu – wandering its halls and courtyards to admire intricate woodwork, tranquil temples and far reaching river views. From Punakha we drive into the broad glacial bowl of the Phobjikha Valley, passing traditional villages and forested slopes as we ascend to the remote Gangtey region. On arrival we check in to a traditional homestay in Gangtey Village and meet our host family – sharing stories over home cooked meals and experiencing everyday Bhutanese life in a peaceful rural valley.

We take a gentle nature walk through the Phobjikha Valley, where black necked cranes gather in season, crossing rolling meadows past farmhouses and clear streams in one of Bhutan’s most beautiful landscapes. We then visit Gangtey Monastery – a 17th century gompa overlooking the valley – and explore its temples, murals and courtyards while learning about the spiritual life of the resident monks. We spend time with our Gangtey host family to see how a traditional farming household lives, gaining insight into local customs, seasonal work and daily routines in this remote highland community.

We travel from the Phobjikha Valley back across Dochu La Pass towards Thimphu, taking time to enjoy the sweep of forested ridges, deep valleys and distant mountain views. En route we visit Rinchengang Village – renowned for its traditional stone masonry – and wander among its closely clustered houses on a small hillock overlooking Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. From across the valley we pause to admire the dzong’s commanding profile, and learn how its strategic position and dramatic setting speak to Bhutan’s historic defence and administrative needs.

We explore Thimphu’s highlights – the Memorial Chorten, the Folk Heritage Museum and the School of Arts & Crafts – then visit the Takin Research Centre, a local nunnery and the weekend market for a glimpse of everyday Bhutanese life.

Leaving Thimphu, we drive back through the valley to Paro and settle into our hotel before setting out for the hike to Tiger’s Nest. We ascend through pine forest on a steep mountain path to Taktsang Monastery – the famous Tiger’s Nest – and pause to take in sweeping views over the Paro Valley from this remarkable cliffside complex. Back in the valley, we explore the evocative ruins of Drukgyel Dzong – once a fortress guarding the approaches to Paro – and then visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples dating to the 7th century, stepping inside to admire ancient statues, murals and butter lamps in a deeply atmospheric shrine. This evening we round off the day with a farewell dinner at a traditional farmhouse near Paro, tasting homemade Bhutanese dishes, sharing stories with our hosts and enjoying warm local hospitality.

Enjoy some unhurried time in Paro – you can browse for last minute souvenirs or pause for quiet reflection as you explore the town at your own pace. We transfer you from your Paro hotel to the airport and bid farewell to the Paro Valley and the mountains that have framed your journey. We fly from Paro to Delhi, leaving Bhutan’s peaks behind. On arrival in India, we guide you through the airport formalities and reconnect you with our local team to continue your tour. We meet you in the arrivals hall and transfer you from Delhi Airport to your city hotel. Settle in and prepare for the next chapter of your journey.

We explore both New and Old Delhi, taking in India Gate, the grand government buildings, Humayun’s Tomb and the serene Bangla Sahib Gurudwara. We weave through the bustle of Chandni Chowk and Chawri Bazar, sample classic street food, hop on a rickshaw and visit the imposing Jama Masjid.

We leave Delhi and drive through rural Uttar Pradesh towards Agra, passing small towns and fields on the way to the city of the Taj Mahal. Over lunch we visit Sheroes Hangout Café – supporting and learning from acid attack survivors. Later we join a Mughal Heritage Walk through Kachhpura village and its farmland, concluding with sunset views of the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh.

We visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, when the light is soft and the crowds are fewer, pausing to hear the story of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal as we admire the intricate marble work. We then explore the red sandstone Agra Fort, wandering its courtyards and palaces and walking the walls that overlook the Yamuna River, learning how it served as the principal stronghold of the Mughal emperors. Later we depart Agra and drive back to Delhi for our final night in India. We arrive at the hotel with time for you to relax – or head out to enjoy a last evening in the city.

You have time at leisure in Delhi to recover after your journey. We meet our representative for a briefing on the days ahead, then we transfer from the hotel to the airport – our driver will make sure we arrive in good time to check in.