Jewels of the Himalayas: Nepal & Bhutan

Arrive at your departure airport ready to check-in for an overnight flight to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal*. Night on board.*If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Continue on your flight to Kathmandu. Due to the time difference, you will lose a day on your outward journey but will gain it on your return journey. You are not in flight for two days.

Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel*. The largest urban area in Nepal, Kathmandu has a population of 2.5 million inhabitants. The capital is situated at 1,400 meters above sea level in a picturesque, bowl-shaped valley in central Nepal. Spend the day exploring the city at your leisure. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.***You will have the option to add early check-in on arrival in the next step of the booking process. To guarantee optional services, we recommend that you add them to your current booking, as they are subject to availability.**You have the possibility to upgrade to half-board in Nepal by adding 4 dinners in the next step of the booking process.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a guided visit to Boudhanath and Pashupatinath. Start your journey at Boudhanath, an awe-inspiring Buddhist stupa that ranks among the largest in the world and stands as a key icon of Nepal. Set on an octagonal base and surrounded by the peaceful homes of Lamas, this sacred site offers a unique spiritual experience. Next, explore the Pashupatinath Hindu Temple, located on the east bank of the river. This ancient and significant temple, dedicated to Shiva, is nestled in a stunning natural setting. After your tour, enjoy a free afternoon to leisurely explore the city or pick up any last-minute souvenirs. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, consider joining our optional flight-seeing excursion to Mount Everest* for a breathtaking aerial view. Then, head out to explore the medieval streets of Kathmandu and immerse yourself in the rich and vibrant culture of the Newari people. Begin with a visit to the Ason market, the city’s oldest shopping area, renowned for its vibrant vegetable and spice stalls. This lively intersection connects to various streets where you can experience traditional culture and admire the distinctive local architecture.Continue to explore through jammed bazaars and visit the Kumari Temple which houses the living Goddess Kumari and is a great example of Nepal’s magnificent architecture with its intricate wood carvings of gods and various symbols. Enjoy an external view of the Taleju Temple followed by a visit to Kal Bhairab.In the afternoon, we step into the Temple of Swayambhunath - a stupa on the top of hill - which is one of the most prominent Buddhist pilgrimage sites, for an overlook the scenery of Kathmandu Valley. Later proceed to Patan city (about 15 minutes driving) to visit the Patan Durbar Square - the oldest of the three cities in the Kathmandu Valley and one of the oldest Buddhist City in the world. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.*Optional Mount Everest Flight-seeing Excursion: Enjoy one-hour long sightseeing on a fixed-wing aircraft for an experience of a lifetime. All the spectacular glaciers, snow-capped peaks and gorges glide below as you fly towards Mt. Everest. Includes a flight certificate awarded at the end of the excursion. Return to Kathmandu to begin the rest of the day sightseeing.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, visit Bhaktapur, known as the City of the Devotees, to admire the great architectural beauty of this royal city of the Kathmandu Valley. Also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bhaktapur is the best-preserved historical centre in the valley. The Royal Palace stands out, whose entrance door is a masterpiece in embossed art, as does the Nyatapola Temple, known as the Temple of the Five Roofs, which is a pagoda of five magnificently sculpted floors and one of the highest in the country. Later, continue to the oldest temple in the Kathmandu Valley, the Changu Narayan Temple located in the Changu village and dedicated to the god Vishnu. From here there is a beautiful view of the surroundings. Return to the hotel and overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for your flight to Paro, Bhutan. Upon arrival, transfer to Thimphu, the capital of this mythical and spiritual country, located in a lush valley, and catch sight of the iconic Thimphu River. Once you arrive at the hotel, check in and enjoy dinner. Overnight stay in Thimphu.

Full-Board. Today, embark on an enriching tour of Thimphu, Bhutan's vibrant capital. Begin by visiting the spectacular Memorial Chorten, a stupa built in memory of the King, offering a glimpse into the country's spiritual heritage. Next, explore the Craft Centre School, renowned for its exquisite Thangka paintings and traditional Bhutanese arts.In the afternoon, visit the serene Changangkha Monastery, where you can enjoy sweeping views of the city and see the iconic prayer wheel. Then, head to the radio tower for a panoramic perspective of Thimphu before delving into Bhutan's natural heritage at the National Institute of Traditional Medicine. Discover the traditional processes at the Paper Factory and marvel at the architecture and history of two of Thimphu's most exquisite Dzongs: Tashichho Dzong and Simtokha Dzong. Overnight stay in Thimphu.

Full-Board. Today, embark on a captivating journey towards Punakha. Along the way, enjoy a scenic walk through the breathtaking Dochula Pass, renowned for its panoramic views of the eastern Himalayan mountains.Upon arrival in Punakha, delve into the rich history and architecture of Punakha Dzong, the majestic winter residence of Bhutan's spiritual leader, revered as one of the country's most stunning structures.Later, immerse yourself in the cultural exploration at Chimi Lhakhang, a Buddhist temple dedicated to fertility, known for its vibrant murals and spiritual significance. Conclude your day surrounded by the tranquil beauty of Bhutan's countryside. Overnight stay in Punakha.

Full board. Today, journey to Paro, exploring the majestic Wangdue Dzong and Semthoka Dzong along the way. Both are nestled amidst stunning landscapes. Delve into the rich history and spiritual significance of these architectural marvels.In Paro, visit Drukgyel Dzong and wander among the ancient ruins of this historic fortress, soaking in its storied past. Conclude your day with a visit to Kyichu Lhakhang, a revered temple with its striking white facade set against the backdrop of scenic hills. Finally, transfer to your hotel in Paro and unwind after a day filled with cultural exploration and historical marvels. Overnight stay in Paro.

Full board. Today, embark on a journey to discover Bhutan's most iconic attraction, the legendary Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger's Nest. This revered monastery holds immense spiritual significance and boasts 13 sacred sites nestled within the Himalayan landscape.Hike up to this sacred sanctuary, perched dramatically on a cliff, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding natural beauty. Admire the colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze and immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere that permeates the site.In the afternoon, continue your cultural exploration with a visit to Ta Dzong, now transformed into a national museum. Explore its impressive collection of ancient artifacts, including paintings, textiles, and weapons, which provide a deeper insight into Bhutan's rich history and heritage. Overnight stay in Paro.

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, trasnfer to the hotel and then you'll have free time to savor your final hours in Nepal at your own pace. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Breakfast at the hotel*. Sadly, it’s time to end your journey through Nepal and Bhutan. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to Canada . Arrive in Canada and end your trip**.*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.**Depending on the choice of flight, you may arrive back in Canada the next day.