Epic Himalayan Kingdoms Tour

Upon your arrival at Paro International Airport, our friendly Bhutanese guide and driver will greet you with a warm welcome. You’ll be awestruck by the breathtaking views of the Himalayan Mountains, including Mt. Jumolhari and Jichu Drake Peaks, during your flight from Home. However, these sights are just a small glimpse of the beauty that awaits you.

Our first stop will be at the Kyichu Lhakhang, also known as Kyerchu Temple, which is one of the oldest and most beautiful temples in Bhutan. Surrounded by lush fields, flowers, and hills, Kyichu Lhakhang houses the eight-year-old Buddha statue of Sakyamuni, historic relics, elaborate paintings, and numerous Buddhist scriptures.

After that, we will visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong, a fortress built in the 17th century to protect the Paro valley. Located at the suburb of Paro City, Rinpung Dzong offers picturesque scenery and a sense of inner peace.

In the evening, we will head to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, where you can enjoy the vibrant nightlife and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Welcome to your second day of the Bhutan tour. After breakfast, we will begin the sightseeing tour of Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan. This beautiful city, surrounded by rolling mountains, is known for its picturesque Bhutan dzong, fresh air, and friendly locals. Our first stop is the Late King’s Memorial Chorten, followed by a visit to the National Library, where you can explore a vast collection of ancient manuscripts and books.

Next, we will head to the Folk Heritage Museum and the Hand-made Paper Factory, where you can learn about Bhutanese history and culture, as well as see the traditional way of making paper and textiles. Our last stop in Thimpu is the School of Arts and Crafts, where you can get a panoramic view of Bhutanese art and handicrafts.

The highlight of the day comes when we visit the Tashichho Dzong, the most beautiful Bhutan dzong and the headquarters of the Bhutanese government. Afterward, we will travel northeast to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. On the way, we will stop at the scenic Dochu La Pass (3,100m) for a refreshing cup of tea and to enjoy the unobstructed vista of the Great Himalayas.

After having lunch in Wangduephodrang (1,350m), we will continue driving to Punakha. Stay overnight in Punakha.

Today, we will start with a visit to the stunning Punakha Dzong, located at the confluence of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu Rivers. It is widely believed to be the most beautiful Bhutanese Dzong, and a must-see attraction. Built in the 17th century, it is rich in history and architectural beauty.

After exploring the Punakha Dzong, we will drive back to Paro. In the afternoon, we will visit the National Museum of Bhutan, which is housed in a round watchtower. Here, you can learn about the ancient history of Bhutan and explore its diverse wildlife, as well as the country’s rich culture and arts.

Next, we will drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a fortress located at the foot of a picturesque village. From there, you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Stay overnight in Paro, and get ready for tomorrow’s hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

On the fourth day of your Bhutan tour, you will be embarking on a trek to the famous Taktshang Goemba, also known as Tiger’s Nest. You will start early in the morning, and the trek will take around 4-5 hours round trip, depending on your pace. The Taktshang Goemba is a sacred Buddhist site, perched on a cliff 3120 meters above the Paro Valley.

Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, flew here on the back of a tigress and meditated in the caves on the cliffside for three months. You will be able to explore the temple complex and take in the stunning panoramic views of the valley.

After the trek, you will have lunch and can opt for a traditional stone bath or explore the nearby areas. Stone bath is a unique Bhutanese experience where you soak in hot water in a wooden tub filled with river stones believed to have therapeutic properties.

In the evening, you can relax and enjoy the serene surroundings of Paro. Stay overnight in Paro.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Paro International Airport for your flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by a local guide who will take you to your hotel. You can spend the rest of the day resting and relaxing after your flight, or explore the vibrant city of Kathmandu.

If you choose to explore the city, you can visit the nearby temples and shrines, such as the Swayambhunath Stupa (also known as the Monkey Temple) and the Pashupatinath Temple, which is one of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world. You can also explore the bustling markets and streets of Thamel, where you can shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs.

Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

The day starts with a tour of Kathmandu City, and takes in the famous Kathmandu Durbar Square. The most famous square in the city, the Durbar Square is the Royal Palace square in the city, and is surrounded by ancient buildings from the early 16th century. The magnificent architecture, exquisite decorations, and the intensity of historical items gives a great insight into Nepali culture.

You then continue the tour with a visit to the Swayambhunath Pagoda, also known as the Monkey Temple, which is one of the oldest Buddhist sites in Nepal. Swayambhunath is a huge golden stupa festooned with prayer flags that flutter in the breeze, on a hill that overlooks the entire city. You can enjoy the panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley from the top of the hill.

Then it is on to Patan City, the second largest city in the Kathmandu Valley area, known for its rich cultural heritage. Patan City has one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Nepal dates back to the 12th century, and is a great place to explore the Buddhist culture of Nepal. You can visit Patan Durbar Square, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Patan Museum, where you can learn more about the history and culture of Nepal.

Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Today, you will have the opportunity to visit some of the most significant cultural and religious sites in Nepal. You will start your day with a visit to Pashupatinath, one of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located on the banks of the Bagmati River, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. You can witness the ritual bathing of devotees in the river and see the cremation ghats, where the last rites of the deceased are performed.

Next, you will visit Boudhanath, one of the largest stupas in the world and an important pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists. This magnificent stupa is surrounded by colorful prayer flags and small shops selling Tibetan handicrafts. You can walk around the stupa, spin the prayer wheels, and observe the devotees offering prayers and prostrations.

Finally, you will visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Nepal. This ancient city was once the capital of the Kathmandu Valley and is home to several impressive temples and palaces, including the 55-Window Palace, the Golden Gate, and the Nyatapola Temple. You can stroll around the square, marvel at the intricate wood carvings and stone sculptures, and soak in the atmosphere of this charming medieval town.

Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, our driver will pick you up from your hotel between 9:00-9:30 am. We’ll then set off on a scenic drive to the China-Tibet border, passing by the majestic Mt. Himalaya, deep gorges, and snow-capped mountains along the way. We’ll also drive across the Langtang National Park, which is home to diverse flora and fauna.

Upon arrival in Syabrubesi, we’ll check in to guest house where we’ll spend the night. You can take a stroll around the village, meet the locals, and experience their lifestyle and culture.

After breakfast at the village guest house in Syabrubesi, we will drive 15km to the Nepal-China border. Once we enter China, our local guide will meet us and we will continue the journey by car for about an hour to Kyirong (2800m). The town is surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains and dense forests, offering a stunning view.

In the afternoon, we will visit the Paba Temple (2850m), a Gelugpa temple built by Tibetan King Songtsan Gambo on the proposal of his wife, Nepali Princess Bhrikuti. This Nepali-style temple features delicate murals and is only a few minutes’ walk from your hotel. You can take a stroll and appreciate the beauty of the temple.

Stay overnight at Kyirong Hotel.

Today, you will depart from Tingri and head towards Shigatse, covering a distance of 280km and taking approximately 7 hours.

During the journey, you will make a stop at Lhatse to visit the 5000m G318 National Highway milestone. Later, you will arrive in Shigatse in the early afternoon.

Upon arrival, you will visit Tashilunpo Monastery, one of the most important monasteries in Tibet and the seat of Panchan Lama.

After the visit, you will check into your hotel in Shigatse and have the remainder of the day at your leisure.

Stay overnight in Shigatse hotel.

After breakfast, we will leave Shigatse and drive towards Lhasa via Gyantse. As we make our way through the scenic Tibetan countryside, we’ll pass by several charming traditional Tibetan farming villages. Our first stop will be the historic town of Gyantse, where we’ll explore the Old Street and visit the Pelkor Monastery and Kumbum Stupa.

Next, we’ll head towards Lhasa and make several scenic stops along the way. We’ll visit Manak Dam Lake, Korola Glacier, and Yamdrok Lake, each offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Finally, we’ll arrive in Lhasa, where you can relax and settle into your hotel. Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Today, we will start our Lhasa tour by visiting the iconic Potala Palace, the former winter palace of the Dalai Lama. Built on the Red Hill (Moburi), the palace stands at an altitude of 3,750 meters and offers breathtaking views of the city. The temple dates back to the 7th century and houses a collection of artifacts and works of art from Tibetan history. You can also see the gilded burial stupas of the past Dalai Lamas, and visit the ancient meditation cave of the 33rd King of Tibet.

After lunch, we will head to Jokhang Temple, the spiritual center of Tibet and the holiest temple in Tibetan Buddhism. This temple was built by the 33rd King of Tibet in 647AD and is the primary seat of the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Inside the temple, you can see the most precious object – a life-sized statue of Buddha Sakyamuni when he was 12 years old, decorated with many precious gems, making it the most sacred object in Tibet.

Next, we will visit the Barkhor Street, which is famous for its holy kora, a religious circumambulation around the temple, and many sellers where you can buy authentic souvenirs from across the region. You can join the pilgrims on their clockwise walk around the temple and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the street.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Begin your day early with a trip outside Lhasa to Drepung Monastery, one of the Great Three monasteries of the Gelugpa sect. Located at the foot of Gambo Utse, 5 kilometers outside of Lhasa, Drepung Monastery was founded in 1416 by Jamyang Choge, one of the disciples of Tsong Khapa. The former residence of the Dalai Lama, the Ganden Potrang, is located in the southwest corner of the monastery.

After your visit to Drepung Monastery, return to Lhasa for an afternoon visit to Sera Monastery, another of the Great Three monasteries. Founded in 1419, the name “Sera” means “wild rose” in Tibetan and was given due to the roses that were in bloom on the hill behind the monastery during its construction. One of the main attractions of Sera Monastery is the lively and colorful debating of the monks, which takes place every afternoon in the debating field under the trees. Even if you don’t understand the debates, it’s still a fascinating sight to watch.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

We hope you had a wonderful time exploring Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibet with us. Our team Himalayan 360 would like to express our gratitude for choosing us as your travel partner and for trusting us to show you the beauty of Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibet.

As your tour comes to an end, we hope you take with you memories that will last a lifetime. We also hope that our services and hospitality have exceeded your expectations.

We would appreciate it if you could take a moment to provide us with any feedback or suggestions for improvement.

Thank you once again for choosing Himalayan 360, and we look forward to serving you again in the future.