Explore Culture, Nature & Spiritual Sites Across the Himalayas

Beijing

Arrive in Beijing, China’s historic capital. Once home to emperors, the city now welcomes visitors from around the world. After checking into your hotel, take time to rest or begin exploring. You might wander nearby streets, admiring traditional buildings beside modern shops. Beijing is full of contrast — ancient sites like the Forbidden City sit alongside buzzing markets and high-rise buildings. This first day is all about settling in and soaking up your surroundings. Whether you relax at the hotel or head out for a walk, your Chinese adventure has begun in one of the world's most fascinating cities.

Beijing

Spend the day discovering some of Beijing’s most famous landmarks. Start with the Great Wall of China, an awe-inspiring structure that stretches across the country. After exploring the wall, head to the Summer Palace, known for its lovely lake, gardens, and ancient pavilions. Then visit Tiananmen Square, the political heart of modern China. This vast open space is surrounded by grand buildings and monuments. You’ll get a sense of both China’s imperial history and its more recent past. It’s a full day of sightseeing that shows how deeply history runs through this vibrant capital.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Beijing

Lhasa

Fly from Beijing to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, high up in the Himalayas. The journey offers stunning views of the mountains below. Lhasa sits over 11,000 feet above sea level, so the first day is for settling in and adjusting to the altitude. Check into your hotel and take it easy. Rest is important today to avoid altitude sickness. You can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and admire the mix of Tibetan buildings and snowy peaks. This quiet introduction to Lhasa allows you to prepare for deeper exploration in the days ahead.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Lhasa

Begin exploring Lhasa with a visit to the magnificent Potala Palace, once the winter home of the Dalai Lama. Its grand halls, colourful murals, and religious relics tell stories of Tibet’s spiritual past. You will also notice prayer wheels and various religious objects throughout the palace, which are important elements of Tibetan Buddhist practice and require respectful behaviour from visitors. Next, walk through Barkhor Square, a busy area filled with pilgrims, shops, and traditional Tibetan items. Here, prayer wheels line the pilgrimage route, and religious objects are displayed in temples and shops, highlighting the area's spiritual significance and the need for reverence around these sacred artifacts. If you’re interested in local art, try a Thangka painting experience — these silk artworks are handmade and often carry religious meaning. Today is filled with rich culture, friendly locals, and beautiful views. Return to your hotel to relax after a fascinating day in the heart of Tibet.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Lhasa

Continue your journey through Lhasa with a visit to Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s most sacred religious site. As one of the spiritual sanctuaries central to Tibetan Buddhism, pilgrims from across the region come here to pray. Afterwards, explore the peaceful Sera and Drepung Monasteries, which are also revered spiritual sanctuaries where monks live, study, and chant. You’ll witness the quiet rhythm of Tibetan monastic life. Later, walk through Norbulingka Park, the summer residence of past Dalai Lamas. The gardens are a peaceful place to end the day. This final day in Lhasa offers a mix of spiritual insight and scenic beauty, giving you a deeper understanding of Tibetan life and beliefs.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Lhasa

Kathmandu

Fly to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, nestled in a valley surrounded by hills and mountains. The city is lively, colourful, and full of character. After arriving and checking into your hotel, the rest of the day is free. You might want to rest or take a short walk to get a feel for the area. Kathmandu has a mix of ancient temples, narrow alleyways, and friendly people. It’s a great place to begin discovering Nepal’s mix of culture, history, and natural beauty, all set against the backdrop of the mighty Himalayas.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Kathmandu

Spend today exploring the Old Quarter of Kathmandu. Wander through narrow streets lined with temples, local shops, and markets. Visit Swayambhunath Stupa, also called the Monkey Temple, which sits on a hill and offers panoramic views of the city. This ancient site is sacred to both Buddhists and Hindus and is renowned for its cultural significance as a center of spiritual life. Kathmandu preserves many ancient traditions, visible in its daily rituals, festivals, and the enduring practices at its sacred sites. For a truly unforgettable experience, consider an optional helicopter flight over Mount Everest — a breath-taking way to see the world’s highest peak. Whether on the ground or in the sky, today gives you a rich taste of Nepal’s deep traditions and stunning scenery.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Pokhara

Travel to Pokhara, a peaceful city set beside a lake and surrounded by the Annapurna mountain range. After checking into your lodge, take time to enjoy the calm atmosphere and mountain views. While in Pokhara, savor delicious local food and experience the warm hospitality of the people, which adds to the charm of your stay. Pokhara is known for its natural beauty — the air is fresh, and the scenery is breath-taking. It’s also the starting point for the famous Annapurna trekking routes. Whether you relax by the water or admire the snowy peaks from your hotel, today is about enjoying the peacefulness of nature in one of Nepal’s most loved destinations.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Pokhara

Pokhara

Today is all about adventure. If you enjoy the outdoors, Pokhara has many options. Try a short hike with mountain views or enjoy thrilling activities like paragliding, white-water rafting, cycling, caving, or ziplining. These experiences take you through the rugged terrain surrounding Pokhara, with forests, lakes, and the majestic Himalayas all around. If you prefer a slower pace, a walk around the lake or a boat ride can also be memorable. Pokhara is perfect for both excitement and calm. After a fun-filled day, return to your lodge and relax, ready for the next part of your journey through Nepal.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Chitwan National Park

Travel to Chitwan National Park, one of Nepal’s top wildlife reserves and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area is full of forests, rivers, and wild animals. It’s home to rare species like the one-horned rhinoceros, sloth bear, wild elephants, and the elusive Bengal tiger. The park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, supporting a wide variety of plant and animal life. Once you arrive and check into your lodge, enjoy the quiet of the jungle and prepare for the next day’s exploration. Chitwan offers a chance to see Nepal’s wild side, far away from the mountains and cities. It’s a peaceful and exciting part of your adventure.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Chitwan National Park

Wake early for a walking safari through Chitwan National Park. A guide will help you spot animals like deer, crocodiles, monkeys, and many birds. Visit the Elephant Breeding Centre to see elephants and their babies up close. Later, explore the Tharu Cultural Museum to learn about the local Tharu people and their traditions. The museum highlights how their local culture and centuries-old customs have been preserved, showing how they’ve lived with nature for generations. This day offers a balance of wildlife, culture, and learning. After an exciting day outdoors, return to your lodge to relax and enjoy the peaceful sounds of the forest.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Kathmandu

Return to Kathmandu and dive back into its busy energy. Visit colourful street markets filled with fresh produce, spices, and handmade goods. Taste the local cuisine, from warm momos to spicy curries that offer a flavour unique to Nepal. Once you check into your hotel, take some time to relax and enjoy the peaceful views of the distant Himalayas. Whether you're resting or reflecting on the journey so far, today gives you a final chance to enjoy Nepal's charm, rich culture, and friendly atmosphere before heading on to the next part of your adventure.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Kathmandu

Thimphu

Fly to Bhutan and arrive in Thimphu, the quiet capital that feels more like a mountain town than a city. Located at 7,500 feet and surrounded by high mountains, Thimphu is known for its calm streets with no traffic lights, where police hand-direct the flow of cars. Walk or cycle through the city to soak in the peaceful vibe. Temples, shops, and cafes are scattered around, blending tradition with modern life. Thimphu offers a slower pace that invites you to pause, look around, and enjoy the simplicity of daily Bhutanese life. Settle into your hotel and get ready to explore more tomorrow.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Thimphu

Start your day with a visit to the Royal Botanical Garden, where you’ll see a colourful display of orchids and native plants. As you explore, take in the sacred landscapes that surround you, reflecting Bhutan’s deep spiritual and cultural heritage. Then, try your hand at Bhutan’s national sport — archery — with a private lesson that’s both fun and cultural. Later, visit Cheri Monastery, nestled in the hills above the city. It’s a peaceful place where monks live and meditate, set amidst sacred landscapes that have been revered for centuries. As you walk through the temple grounds, you’ll experience the spiritual calm that defines Bhutanese Buddhism. This day combines nature, fun, and spiritual insight — a perfect reflection of Bhutan’s unique character.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Gangtey

Travel to Gangtey, a beautiful valley town surrounded by green hills and thick forests. Known for its peaceful setting and large monastery, Gangtey is one of Bhutan’s most tranquil places. The land here is both culturally and naturally significant, with deep spiritual meaning for locals and a rich natural heritage. The area is rich in wildlife and is home to the endangered black-necked crane during certain seasons. After checking into your lodge, take time to enjoy the quiet, fresh air and lovely views. Gangtey feels like a retreat from the modern world — a place to slow down, take deep breaths, and connect with nature and Bhutan’s peaceful way of life.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Gangtey

Gangtey

Begin your day with a scenic hike through Lawala Pass, where stunning valley views and forest trails bring you close to nature. Visit Gangtey Monastery, the spiritual heart of the region, and watch monks go about their daily routines. Then stop at the Black-Necked Crane Centre to learn about the local conservation efforts that protect this rare bird. In the evening, join a Bhutanese cooking class and learn how to make traditional dishes like yak dumplings. This experience offers valuable insight into the local culture, allowing you to connect with Bhutanese traditions and daily life. It’s a fun and hands-on way to understand Bhutanese flavours and end the day with a delicious meal.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Punakha

Drive to Punakha, a lush valley town set at a lower altitude of 4,100 feet. As you descend into warmer weather, the landscape changes to green rice fields, flowing rivers, and bright flowers. Punakha is Bhutan’s former capital and is still deeply connected to the country’s traditions and farming life. Watch locals working in the fields and enjoy the fresh countryside air. After settling in, take some time to walk along the riverbanks or relax at your hotel. This is a perfect place to enjoy the quieter side of Bhutanese life.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Punakha

Start the day at Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful buildings. Its white walls and wooden bridges make it look like a castle from a storybook. Then visit Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the “Divine Madman,” a monk known for his unusual and humorous teachings. Later, enjoy a traditional farmhouse lunch with a local family, who will share their stories and cooking secrets. The surrounding villages play a vital role in preserving Bhutanese traditions, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage and authentic rural lifestyle. If you’re up for some adventure, you can also try white-water rafting on the nearby rivers — an exciting way to see the valley from a different angle.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Punakha

Paro

Travel to Paro, a peaceful town tucked into a green valley. Paro is filled with history and surrounded by mountains, forests, and traditional farms. Once you arrive, check into your hotel and begin to explore. The town is home to many of Bhutan’s most important historic sites, as well as hiking trails that lead to hidden temples, remote monasteries, and panoramic viewpoints. Take a walk around town or enjoy the fresh air and quiet landscapes. This is the perfect setting to begin your final days in Bhutan, surrounded by beauty and stories from the past.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Paro

Today is filled with Bhutan’s spiritual heritage. Start at the National Museum of Bhutan to learn about the country’s culture, history, and art. Then visit Paro Dzong, a fortress known as the “Fortress of the Heap of Jewels,” admired for its architecture and importance. In the afternoon, hike up to the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery, built on a cliffside. The monastery stands as a powerful symbol of Bhutan’s spiritual heritage. The walk is challenging but offers incredible views. At the top, the peaceful temple rewards your effort. Finish the day with a soothing Singing Bowl Meditation, allowing you to relax and reflect in silence.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Paro

New Delhi

Fly to New Delhi, India’s lively capital. After the quiet of Bhutan, Delhi feels vibrant and full of energy. Visit the city’s many Houses of Worship, from grand mosques and temples to modern churches and gurdwaras. If you prefer, explore one of Delhi’s growing contemporary art galleries to see a different side of Indian culture. The day gives you a taste of India’s contrasts — modern and ancient, spiritual and artistic. India’s spiritual and natural heritage is reflected in its iconic Himalayan peaks, such as Nanda Devi, which holds deep cultural and religious significance and stands as one of the country’s most revered mountains. Settle into your hotel and rest, or enjoy one last dinner before the final day of your Himalayan journey.

Meals Included: Breakfast

NEW DELHI - DEPARTURE

Today your adventure comes to an end. Take a final walk around New Delhi or relax at your hotel before heading to the airport. As you prepare to fly home, you’ll carry with you the memories of three countries — China, Nepal, and Bhutan — each offering something special. From mountain views and spiritual sites to vibrant cities and peaceful valleys, your journey has been full of variety and beauty. With stories to tell and new perspectives gained, this Himalayan experience is sure to stay with you for years to come.

Meals Included: Breakfast