A Journey Through the Himalayas

Depart with Qatar Airways from either London Heathrow or Manchester to Kathmandu, via Doha. No matter which airport you choose, there will be no extra cost.

Arriving in Kathmandu this morning, we transfer to the centrally-located Hotel Yak and Yeti, our home in Nepal’s vibrant capital for the next two nights. In the afternoon we visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest and most significant Buddhist stupas in Nepal. Here, we are welcomed at a thangka painting studio and learn more about the significance and creation of these intricate, hand-painted religious scrolls. This evening, we join our Tour Manager and fellow travellers for a welcome drink and a chance to learn more about our upcoming adventures, before dinner together at our hotel.

Tour Highlight

This morning, we visit historic Swayambhunath Stupa, with its numerous shrines and prayer wheels, offering panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley. Built by King Manadeva in 460 AD, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the oldest of its kind in Nepal. Continuing to Kathmandu Durbar Square, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, we explore the historical heart of the city and discover ancient royal palaces, a fascinating museum, and visit the House of Kumari, home to a living goddess. Later, we enjoy a rickshaw ride through the vibrant neighbourhood of Thamel, taking in the bustling market as we weave through its lively streets filled with shops, cafes, and time-honoured crafts. We finish our day with an authentic Nepali dinner accompanied by a colourful cultural show featuring traditional music and dance.

Leaving Kathmandu this morning, we drive to historic Gorkha and our accommodation for the night, Gorkha Gaun, in a nearby village. This charming rural retreat is surrounded by lush green hills with views of Mount Manaslu, the eighth highest peak in the world. After lunch at the resort, we have the chance to explore the village and learn more about life here, before joining the friendly local staff to try our hand at making traditional plates and bowls from Sal leaves. Later, enjoy a cooking class led by Gorkha Gaun’s chef, gaining insight into local culinary techniques and flavours as we prepare and sample authentic Nepali dishes.

Take in the sunrise views over Mount Manaslu and explore Gorkha’s local market before we continue our journey to Pokhara today. On arrival, we settle in at the Fish Tail Lodge for our two-night stay, uniquely located on a peninsula across Phewa Lake. This afternoon, we visit the Gorkha Memorial Museum, celebrating the rich history of the legendary Gorkha soldiers and their contribution to military history, particularly in the British and Indian armies.

We start our day with an early morning journey to Sarangkot, a renowned viewpoint where we can watch as the sun rises over the Annapurna mountain range and the mountains glow with golden hues - a view that’s worth the early wake up call. Following breakfast back at our hotel, we head out to explore Pokhara with stops including the Gupteshwor Cave and Bindhavasini Temple, a revered Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Bhagwati. We visit the Tibetan Refugee Camp to learn about the community here and wander the Old Bazaar, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of the local stores in this historic area. This afternoon we discover the fascinating International Mountain Museum, providing an insight into the mountains of Nepal, the people, flora and fauna that call them home, and the mountaineers who climb them. Later, take in the stunning scenery as we enjoy a tranquil boat ride on Phewa Lake before finishing the day with a traditional Aarti ceremony.

We make the scenic drive to Chitwan, the first National Park of Nepal and home to an abundant array of wildlife, including the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, Asian elephant, leopard, and the elusive Bengal tiger. Arriving at our resort, Jagatpur Lodge or Kasara Resort, we enjoy lunch and settle in for our three-night stay. Later, we head out for a walk around a Tharu village, home to a traditional community indigenous to the Chitwan area who mainly live off the land. In the evening, join an expert jungle naturalist to learn more about the local ecosystem and the rich variety of wildlife and bird species found in the national park.

After breakfast, embark on an exhilarating jeep safari in Chitwan National Park with the chance to spot a variety of wildlife, including one-horned rhinos, deer, and countless bird species whilst surrounded by riverine forests and expansive grasslands. Later, we visit the Crocodile Breeding Centre for a unique opportunity to observe Mugger crocodiles and the rare Gharials, and learn about the centre’s conservation efforts. In the afternoon, we head out in a traditional hand-rowed canoe on the serene Rapti River. As we drift along, take in the beauty of the national park’s lush landscapes and keep an eye out for the fascinating wildlife that inhabits its shores. Before dinner this evening, we immerse ourselves in the vibrant culture of the Tharu people with a dynamic dance performance, showcasing the rhythms, stories, and customs of this traditional community.

We join our naturalist guide for a morning nature walk through the buffer zone of Chitwan National Park, an area that offers a great opportunity to explore the park's rich biodiversity up close. Our knowledgeable naturalist offers insights into the park's diverse flora and fauna as we wander through the lush landscape keeping our eyes peeled. Our afternoon is at leisure, but should you wish, you can join another jeep safari at no additional cost, allowing a further chance to spot larger mammals and rare wildlife.

Driving back to Kathmandu today, we arrive in Patan district this afternoon and check in at the Vivanta Kathmandu, our hotel for the next two nights. We head to Patan Durbar Square, known for its stunning architecture and intricate woodwork, and explore the impressive temples, courtyards and former palaces that date back centuries, before attending a singing bowl workshop. Traditional singing bowls are handmade and used in meditation and for sound healing, and we have a chance to discover these ancient practices from an expert.

Today we explore nearby Bhaktapur, a city celebrated for its rich cultural and historical heritage, often called Nepal's open-air museum. We start with a stroll through its atmospheric alleys, marvelling at the ancient architecture and discover Pottery Square, before witnessing the intricate art of authentic Nepali woodcraft. We make a stop at a traditional paper factory, which uses the bark of the lokta shrub, to learn more about this process, and enjoy the beauty of Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to ancient sculptures and architectural masterpieces. We finish our day with dinner at a local restaurant and meet a Sherpa mountaineer for a chance to hear inspirational stories of their incredible achievements.

Early this morning we transfer to Kathmandu Airport for our flight to Paro, our entry point into the fascinating country of Bhutan. On arrival, we journey to Thimphu, Bhutan’s compact capital, and transfer to the Norkhil Boutique Hotel & Spa, our home for the next two nights. After lunch, we explore the local farmers’ market before continuing to Thimphu Monastery (Tashichho Dzong), the seat of government since the 1960s. Housing the central administrative offices and the King’s throne room, it’s a stunning example of traditional Bhutanese architecture with towering white walls, golden rooftops, and beautiful gardens. We also witness the unique flag down ceremony here. This evening, we meet a Bhutanese Lama and have the opportunity to learn more about Buddhism.

Today we discover Thimphu’s rich cultural landmarks and traditions, starting with a visit to the Memorial Chorten, built in honour of the third King of Bhutan. We then head to Buddha Point, home to the grand Buddha Dordenma statue, an impressive 51 metres tall, and offering panoramic views of the surrounding Thimphu Valley, before visiting the Institute of Traditional Medicine to gain an insight into Bhutan’s ancient healing practices. After lunch, we continue to Zorig Chusum, also known as the Bhutanese Institute of Traditional Arts, where students are trained in the 13 traditional Bhutanese arts, including wood carving, painting, and sculpture. Finally, we visit Motithang Takin Preserve for a chance to see the strange-looking Bhutanese national animal. After a busy day, unwind this evening with a taste of Bhutan’s local beer or grain whiskey.

Tour Highlight

We journey from Thimphu to Punakha today, stopping en route at Dochula Pass, a breathtaking spot at 3,100 metres above sea level offering panoramic views of the snow-clad Himalayas. Arriving in Punakha, we enjoy lunch and settle in at the RKPO Green Resort, our hotel for the night. This afternoon we stretch our legs with a scenic stroll, passing rural paddy fields and through a traditional village as we head to Chimi Lhakhang, a sacred temple and monastery dedicated to Drukpa Kunley, also known as the "Divine Madman". Later, we explore Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful and significant monasteries, nestled in a stunning location between two rivers and celebrated for its ornate architecture. Built in 1637, the Dzong remained the seat of government until the mid-twentieth century.

Returning westwards, we make the scenic drive to Paro this morning, arriving at the Tashi Namgay Resort or the Village Lodge Paro, our accommodation for the next two nights. After lunch, we explore the town’s vibrant local market to experience the authentic charm of Bhutanese daily life before visiting a local farmhouse. Here, we don traditional attire and try our hand at Bhutan’s national sport, archery, for a truly fun and immersive experience. Later, enjoy a cultural performance of dance, music and traditional storytelling before partaking in a home-cooked dinner, a chance to experience true Bhutanese hospitality.

Tour Highlight

Start your day with an unforgettable adventure, hiking to view the iconic Paro Taktsang, known as the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, a revered cliffside pilgrimage site. For those that wish, the entire return hike typically takes around five hours. Alternatively, you may choose a shorter walk to one of two viewpoints and still be rewarded with spectacular views. We begin with a strenuous yet rewarding hike that winds uphill through pine forests to reach our first viewpoint. Taking around one hour to reach, we take in our stunning panorama of the monastery. Or climb on to the second viewpoint, a further 40 minutes away, providing great photo opportunities of the monastery, sitting almost directly opposite now. The final section involves steps up and down to visit the monastery itself, sitting at an elevation of over 3,000 metres. Anyone not wishing to participate in this morning’s walk may like to relax and enjoy the facilities at our hotel. The walkers return for lunch and some free time. Perhaps indulge in a traditional hot stone bath infused with healing herbs (additional cost). Later, we visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, and participate in a blessing ceremony. We end our day at the Namgay Artisanal Brewery where we learn about the brewing process and participate in a beer tasting, before enjoying dinner in their pub restaurant.

The morning has been left free for you to spend as you wish, but those interested can choose to join us exploring Ta Dzong, the National Museum of Bhutan, displaying over 3,000 artefacts of Bhutanese art and history in a former watchtower. This afternoon we head to Paro Airport for our flight to Bagdogra in northeast India. On arrival, we head into the Lesser Himalayas as we transfer to Darjeeling, a captivating hill station sitting at an altitude of around 2,000 metres and known for its scenic beauty, pleasant climate, and a rich cultural heritage. We check in at the prestigious Elgin Heritage Resort & Spa, where we spend the next three nights.

Our day begins with a Toy Train ride to Ghoom Monastery, where we explore this Tibetan Buddhist creation that dates back to 1850. One of the monastery’s most striking features is the 15-foot-tall statue of the Maitreya Buddha. Next, we head to a local tea plantation to learn about Darjeeling’s world-famous tea-making process. We are introduced to the art of tea tasting and enjoy a traditional lunch with stunning views of the lush tea gardens. Before returning to our hotel, we visit the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre which was established in 1959 to provide shelter, vocational training, and a livelihood to refugees who fled Tibet.

Tour Highlight

Embrace the magic of early morning as we journey to Tiger Hill, an enchanting vantage point, to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the Himalayan Range, including the majestic peaks of Kangchenjunga and even Mount Everest, if the weather permits. As the sun begins to rise, watch in awe as the colours transform, casting a golden hue upon the entire Himalayan panorama. After breakfast, the morning unfolds with a visit to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute where we discover the world of mountaineering and gain insights into the flora and fauna of the region. We also take a walk to Observatory Hill, enjoying panoramic views of Darjeeling and visit Karma Dorjee Chyoling Monastery. The afternoon is free to spend as you please, enjoying the relaxing surroundings of the hotel, or if you prefer, take an optional street-food walking tour.

Returning to Bagdogra, we take our flight to the city of Kolkata. Formerly known as Calcutta, it’s a vibrant and culturally rich city situated in the eastern part of India. Kolkata serves as the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal and holds a special place in the country’s history and heritage, offering a fascinating blend of old-world charm and modern dynamism. Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel for the night, the JW Marriott Hotel.

After breakfast, prepare for a day of exploration taking in Kolkata’s most iconic sights and monuments. Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Flower Market before continuing to the illustrious Victoria Memorial Hall, a tribute to the former Empress of India, Queen Victoria. Our journey then takes us through Dalhousie Square, where we pass by significant colonial landmarks including Raj Bhavan, St. John’s Church, the High Court, General Post Office, Town Hall, and the Writer’s Building, and pay a visit to Mother Teresa House. This afternoon we explore Kumar Tuli, a unique and vibrant potter’s colony where the centuries-old tradition of making earthenware idols is still practiced. Later, enjoy a serene sunset cruise along the River Hooghly, offering an exceptional insight into Kolkata’s waterfront. Tonight, we gather for our final dinner together and reminisce about our adventures over the last three weeks. As our flights to the UK via Doha depart in the early hours, for your convenience we have arranged to keep your rooms until we depart for the airport.

After an amazing 22 days exploring these mesmerising countries and with memories we will treasure for a lifetime, we arrive back into our chosen UK airport early this morning.