Himalayan Kingdoms Adventure

On arrival at Kathmandu Airport, we greet you, assist with formalities and transfer you to your hotel in Thamel. Settle in, then take your first look at the capital as the lanes buzz around you – you have free time to rest after the flight or wander Thamel at your own pace. This evening we host an informal briefing about the journey and the local area.

We ride a rickshaw through Thamel’s backstreets and neighbouring quarters, passing tiny shops, stupas and tucked‑away workshops as everyday life unfolds. We then walk from Thamel to historic Kathmandu Durbar Square along alleys lined with shrines and courtyards, stepping straight into the city’s oldest quarters. In Durbar Square we explore intricately carved temples and former royal palaces while learning about Newari architecture and the history of the ancient kingdom. We continue to Swayambhunath Stupa on its hilltop, spin prayer wheels, enjoy sweeping views and watch the resident monkeys.

We transfer you to Kathmandu Airport and assist with check‑in for the flight across the Himalaya to Paro – on a clear day we may glimpse snow‑clad peaks along the horizon. Arriving at Paro International Airport amid dramatic mountains, we transfer you to your hotel in the Paro Valley to settle in and enjoy Bhutan’s warm hospitality. We visit Ta Dzong, the former watchtower now housing the National Museum, continue to Paro Dzong to wander its courtyards, and then call at Nado Poizokhang Incense Factory to see traditional incense being hand‑rolled from herbs such as juniper and sandalwood.

We drive from Paro towards Punakha via the scenic Dochu La Pass, watching forested hills give way to lofty panoramas as the road climbs. We pause at Dochu La, where 108 chortens honour Bhutanese soldiers, and savour sweeping Himalayan views in the serene mountain air. From here we hike through fields and village paths to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of the Divine Madman – and hear the playful legends and fertility blessings associated with this much‑loved pilgrimage site.

We follow a riverside trail beside the Mo Chhu to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten, enjoying mountain views and glimpses of rural life as we climb to the hilltop shrine. We then explore Punakha Dzong at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu, admiring intricate woodwork, temples and river views. From Punakha we drive into the broad glacial bowl of the Phobjikha Valley, ascending to the remote Gangtey region, where we check in to a traditional homestay, meet our host family and share home‑cooked meals for an authentic taste of everyday life.

We take a gentle nature walk through the Phobjikha Valley – a seasonal haven for black‑necked cranes – passing rolling meadows, farmhouses and clear streams. We visit Gangtey Monastery, a 17th‑century gompa overlooking the valley, exploring its temples, murals and courtyards while learning about the spiritual life of the resident monks. We also spend time with a Gangtey host family to see traditional farming routines, local customs and daily life in this highland community.

We travel back across Dochu La towards Thimphu, pausing near Wangdue Phodrang for wide views of the dzong and nearby villages, then continue through forested valleys into the capital. We visit Rinchengang Village – renowned for traditional stone masonry – and stroll among its closely clustered houses perched on a small hillock overlooking Wangdue Phodrang Dzong.

At the Memorial Chorten we join local worshippers to spin prayer wheels and walk clockwise around the whitewashed stupa built in memory of the third king. We explore the Folk Heritage Museum to see how Bhutanese families lived in traditional farmhouses. At the National Institute for Zorig Chusum we watch students train in the 13 traditional arts, then stop at a local workshop for a close look at techniques used to create thangkas, textiles or basketry. We visit the takin research centre to learn about Bhutan’s unusual national animal and conservation efforts, and pause at Thangthong Dewachen Dupthop Nunnery for serene views across Thimphu Valley. We round off at Thimphu’s weekend market, mingling with residents and browsing stalls for snacks, textiles and souvenirs. If time permits, you can visit the national stadium to watch an archery match – a vivid introduction to the national sport.

We hike through fragrant pine forest before tackling a steep mountain path to Taktsang Monastery – the legendary Tiger’s Nest – and pause to admire its dramatic cliffside setting and views across the Paro Valley. We then explore the evocative ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, the former fortress that once guarded approach routes, before continuing to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, to discover ancient statues, vivid murals and the glow of butter lamps.

We fly from Paro back to Kathmandu with far‑reaching Himalayan views, then drive into the hills that ring the valley to reach Nagarkot – a ridge‑top village renowned for panoramas. Settle into your accommodation – you have time to relax and savour the mountain scenery.

At dawn we watch sunrise from Nagarkot’s ridge – famed for sweeping Himalayan vistas where, on clear mornings, Langtang and even Everest can be faintly seen. We then explore Bhaktapur’s ancient centre of palaces, courtyards and traditional wooden architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Pottery Square we take part in a class using traditional wheels and techniques under the guidance of skilled artisans. We visit Pashupatinath to observe ceremonies along the Bagmati River and appreciate its spiritual significance, then explore the vast Boudhanath Stupa and walk around the stupa alongside pilgrims and monks.

At the scheduled time we collect you from your hotel and transfer you to Kathmandu Airport for your onward flight, assisting with check‑in and departure formalities – your tour concludes here.