Himalayan Mountain Kingdoms

Paro Festival Departure

Days 1-5
Lhasa, Tibet / Yarlung Valley / Samye

Our journey begins in Lhasa, Tibet’s sacred city, where we explore the massive Potala Palace, join pilgrims who gather at the candle-lit altars at Tibet’s most sacred temple, the Jokhang, and walk the Barkhor pilgrimage circuit. We also visit some of the small temples hidden in Lhasa’s back streets that other travelers rarely visit. Heading out of Lhasa, we explore the imposing Ganden Monastery, with its vast complex of temples, and walk the kora along with groups of Tibetan pilgrims performing various religious rituals to earn spiritual merit. In the remote Yarlung Valley, 7th century birthplace of the first kings of Tibet, we visit the spectacular 8th century Samye Monastery, an architectural showplace with its 108 chapels built into a great circular stone wall.

Days 6-7
Kathmandu, Nepal

In Kathmandu, we discover an ancient city where Hindu and Buddhist worlds intertwine. Small golden shrines are adorned with garlands of marigolds, beautifully carved wooden windows and doorways overlook narrow alleys, and the scent of exotic spices fills the air. Temples abound, and we explore such fascinating sites as the thriving Buddhist center at Bodha, where new monasteries have risen to serve Tibetans in exile, Swayambu, with its commanding views of the valley, and the riverside cremation ghats and Hindu temples of Pashupatinath.

Days 8-14
Paro, Bhutan / Thimphu / Punakha / Paro

Gold-roofed monasteries, emerald valleys, deep, rustling forests—Bhutan’s landscape is so enchanting it seems taken from the pages of a storybook. In this tiny kingdom, the presence of Tibetan Buddhism is everywhere, from fluttering prayer flags dotting the countryside to exquisite hilltop lhakhangs (temples). In Paro, we attend the spectacular Tsechu Festival, an occasion when Bhutanese dress in their finery and renew their faith in a traditional celebration of community, and we hike up to the famous hermitage called Taktsang, the “Tiger’s Nest.” Journeying across the 10,200-foot Dochu La Pass, we head to the peaceful Punakha Valley, Bhutan’s winter capital for 300 years, for hikes to hillside chortens (shrines). The stunning and labyrinthine Punakha Dzong, seat of the head abbot of Bhutan, sits at the spectacular confluence of the Mo Chu and Po Chu (the Mother and Father rivers). We also explore charming Thimphu, the capital. We depart via Paro on Day 14.

This is the Itinerary-at-a-Glance. For the complete trip description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Optional Extensions

If you would like to extend your adventure, we offer the following option:

• Scenic Everest Flight (1 days)

Extension Accommodations

If you would like to view the accommodations offered with our extensions option:

• Scenic Everest Flight (1 days)

Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.