Bhutan and Nepal: Heart of the Himalaya

Day 1

Arrive Kathmandu, Nepal

Film and folk festivals, well-trodden trails and secret scenic routes, a deep-end dive into Nepal’s gods, spirits, prayers and rituals: Kathmandu’s culture is everywhere you look. Temples, monasteries and elaborate courtyards built by Newar artisans have endured; Durbar Square and Teleju Temple give way to a bustling bazaar and the old city’s labyrinthine backstreets. Patan is known as the city of

Day 2

Kathmandu – Historic Durbar Square

This morning, 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. After lunch, continue to Swayambhunath, one of the most sacred shrines for Tibetan Buddhists. Later, hear a lecture by a Mount Everest summiteer.

Day 3

Kathmandu – Temples and Shrines

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 refreshing cocktail.

Day 4

Thimphu, Bhutan – Among Towering Peaks

Fly to Paro, your gateway to Bhutan, a nation whose cultural traditions remain well preserved. Travel to Thimphu, home to dzong temples decorated with traditional thangka paintings and colorful ritual cakes reminiscent of Catherine Wheels, celestial institutes and the National Chorten Memorial, where residents come for daily worship, spinning prayer wheels and walking meditative loops around the o

Day 5

Punakha – Chimi Lhakhang Monastery

Drive over Dochula Pass to Punakha. Known for its quality produce, the low-altitude Punakha Valley is all terraced rice paddies, red chilies and aubergines drying in the sun on corrugated tin roofs. Two rivers, Pho and Mo Chu, converge in the valley, whilst tucked-away temples — such as the infamous Chimi Lhakhang monastery, surrounded by fluttering prayer flags — can only be reached on foot. Take

Day 6

Thimphu – Design Your Day

- **Visit Tashichho Dzong and the Bhutan Postal Museum**, two venerated institutions steeped in history. - **Explore the Folk Heritage and National Textile Museum** to learn about this vital aspect of Bhutanese history. - **Ascend to Buddha Point** to view the soaring Buddha Dordenma statue and visit a sanctuary for the takin (gnu).

Day 7

Paro – Monasteries, Rivers and Relics

The single-street town of Paro is the place for picking up the softest yak-wool shawls, Bhutanese whisky, intricate wood carvings and singing bowls to take home, as well as lighting butter lamps at sacred shrines. En route, stop to visit local farmers at their farmhouse and proceed to Kyichu Lhakhang, a seventh-century Himalayan Buddhist temple. After lunch, view the religious thangka paintings an

Day 8

Paro – Ascent to the Tiger's Nest

The pinnacle of any trip to Bhutan is an early morning trek up to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, which clings to the cliff 3,000 feet above the valley. Toast to your ascent with Champagne, followed by lunch. Later, try your hand at archery, Bhutan's national sport.

Day 9

Bhaktapur, Nepal – Five-tiered Temple

Fly to Kathmandu and proceed to Bhaktapur. Founded in the ninth century, today Bhaktapur is one of the three main cities of the Kathmandu Valley and is a major Newar settlement. Here, explore a palace constructed in the 17th century by famed King Bhupatindra Malla and visit Nyatapola, a striking five-tiered temple built in an angular pagoda style.

Day 10

Kathmandu – Flavors of Nepal

On an experience exclusively for Worldway Travels x A&K guests, enter Kopan Nunnery or Monastery, where a monk or nun leads you in a private guided meditation session. Explore Patan to see Durbar Square and the former royal palace. Then, cook up local favorites at a local family's home. Later, gather for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 11

Depart Kathmandu

After breakfast, take your private transfer to the airport for your departing flight.