Bhutan and Nepal – Monasteries & Mountains

After breakfast, depart for a guided tour of the city’s main attractions starting with the Textile Museum where you will get to know the living national art of weaving. Exhibitions introduce the major weaving techniques, styles of local dress and textiles made by women and men. Your next stop is the National Library, home to thousands of ancient manuscripts and texts, alongside modern academic books and traditional printing blocks for prayer flags. Within its walls, the rich history of Bhutan is carefully preserved, etched into the pages of its archaic writings.

Continue to the Institute for Zorig Chusum, commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School. The Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan and, on your visit, you can see students learning the various skills taught at the school. Zorig Chusum is an art school and is periodically closed for exams, summer and winter holidays.

Continue to Simply Bhutan Museum. This newly commissioned museum depicts the ancient Bhutanese architecture which is being lost to modernisation. The uniqueness of the structure is in its composition of the materials used. The structure is built reusing old timber, window and door frames and other items from traditional and old demolished houses. The best part is the portrayal of the age-old lifestyles of the Bhutanese people.

Enjoy lunch before visiting the Memorial Chorten. This stupa was built in the memory of Bhutan’s third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.

Continue to visit Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang), which is located a short drive from Thimphu city centre and provides a good overview of the Thimphu Valley. You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country, and then walk around for panoramic views of the valley below. Here at Buddha Point, you will have the opportunity to meditate in a designated room while admiring the grand bird’s-eye view of Thimphu Valley and beyond.

Your last visit of the day is Trashichhoedzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the centre of government and religion, site of the monarch’s throne room and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in the 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans. (B,L,D)

Overnight – Osel Hotel or similar

Depart Thimphu this morning for the 3-hour drive to Punakha, Bhutan’s former capital. En route, ascend to the Dochu La Pass at 3,050 metres. Weather permitting, enjoy sweeping views across the Eastern Himalaya, often framed by colourful prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Pause here for a chance to take in the crisp mountain air.

Continue through traditional countryside to the village of Thinleygang, where you’ll stop for lunch at Aum Toeb Zam homestay. Gain insight into rural Bhutanese life and culinary heritage, with a hands-on introduction to traditional cooking techniques and ingredients. Engage in customary village pastimes such as archery, khuru (darts), or degor, offering a deeper connection to Bhutan’s enduring sporting culture.

As the road descends towards Punakha, the scenery shifts dramatically. Dense alpine forest gives way to subtropical greenery as you reach the fertile valley at 1,250 metres. En route, stop at Chimi Lhakhang—commonly referred to as the Temple of Fertility—built in the 15th century by the eccentric Buddhist saint Lama Drukpa Kuenley. Set amidst terraced rice fields, the temple remains a place of pilgrimage for couples seeking blessings for fertility.

Later, take a stroll through Khuruthang town and explore the Kaja Throm market area, offering a relaxed introduction to life in this picturesque valley. (B,L,D)

Overnight – Meri Puensum Hotel or similar

This morning, set out on foot for Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten, a striking hilltop temple built to honour Bhutan’s fifth king. The hike begins from a suspension bridge spanning the Mo Chhu River, leading you through the rice terraces of Yebisa village. The first 10 minutes are flat, followed by a steady 40–50-minute ascent. While mostly gentle, a few steeper sections require moderate effort. At the summit, the 30-metre-high chorten offers commanding views over the Punakha Valley and its traditional villages. After descending back to the river crossing—around 30 minutes on foot—your driver will be waiting to continue the day.

Next, explore Punakha Dzong, known as the “Palace of Great Happiness.” Constructed in 1637, this fortress-monastery stands at the confluence of the Po Chu and Mo Chu rivers and played a central role in Bhutan’s early unification. Its intricate woodwork and towering whitewashed walls remain among the country’s finest examples of dzong architecture.

In the afternoon, drive to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery, set on a ridge with panoramic views of the valleys below. The temple is home to one of Bhutan’s largest bronze statues of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, crafted entirely by local artisans. The complex also serves as a centre for higher education and vocational training for nuns.

Time permitting, visit the Nalanda Buddhist Institute, home to around 180 monks. Here, traditional Buddhist teachings are complemented by modern subjects such as English and science, reflecting Bhutan’s evolving approach to education within monastic life. (B,L,D)

Overnight – Meri Puensum Hotel or similar

After breakfast, drive back to Paro, descending back down from the Dochula Pass, following the way back up the dramatic Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu River valleys, before crossing through Paro Town towards the north end of the valley. En route, visit Simtokha Dzong, the place of profound tantric teaching that now houses a school for the study of the Dzongkha language.

Later in the day after checking into your hotel, visit Ta Dzong, originally built as a watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artefacts.

Your Ta Dzong visit is followed by a short walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning “fortress of the heap of jewels”, which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala.

Later, if you would like to, you can visit the Namgay Artisanal Brewery for a local beer tasting (payment on the spot). (B,L,D)

Overnight – Tashi Namgay Resort or similar

After breakfast, set out for the iconic hike to Taktshang Monastery—commonly known as Tiger’s Nest. This sacred site is one of Bhutan’s most renowned and revered monasteries, dramatically perched on a cliffside 900 metres above the Paro Valley floor. Begin with a 20–45 minute drive from your accommodation to the car park at the base of the trail. From here, follow a well-worn path through pine forest to the cafeteria viewpoint, a 1.5 to 2-hour hike offering your first clear view of the monastery. Tea is available here for those wishing to pause before the next ascent. Those continuing to the monastery itself will take a further 1.5 to 2 hours, traversing a series of stone steps that lead into a forested gorge before climbing up to the entrance. The trail is steep in parts but well-maintained.

According to legend, Guru Rinpoche flew to this spot on the back of a tigress and meditated in a cave now enshrined within the monastery. This site has held deep spiritual significance since the 8th century and was later visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646. It remains a pilgrimage site visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. A fire in April 1998 destroyed significant parts of the monastery, but it has since been carefully restored to its former splendour.

After visiting the temple complex, descend to the base (2 to 3 hours). Lunch will be arranged in Paro town or at the trailhead cafeteria, depending on timing and group pace.

Time permitting, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. This is one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan, marking the advent of Buddhism in the region.

This evening, enjoy a traditional home-cooked dinner at a local farmhouse, where you can also take the opportunity to try the restorative properties of a hot stone bath to relax and rejuvenate after your hike. We will also arrange for you to try on the national dress – Gho and Kira. Enjoy dinner with a cultural show. (B,L,D)

Overnight – Tashi Namgay Resort or similar

After breakfast at your hotel, drive to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu (1hr 20min). Upon arrival at Kathmandu’s International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Patan.

Nepal – officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal is a mystical country nestled in the folds of the magnificent Himalayan mountain ranges. The people of Nepal can always be seen to be smiling.  Nepal is a deeply religious country, as you will see in their temples, monasteries and buildings. The fertile, mountain-sheltered Kathmandu Valley is the historic heart of Nepal, where the Himalaya’s most sophisticated kingdoms rose and fell and where Nepali art and culture were developed and refined. In many ways the Kathmandu Valley is Nepal.

The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy at leisure. (B)

Overnight – Patan Inn or similar

After breakfast, set out to explore Kathmandu City and its historic landmarks, beginning with Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most important Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Set along the banks of the Bagmati River, this sacred site draws pilgrims from across Nepal and India. Non-Hindu visitors are not permitted inside the temple complex but can observe from across the river, where daily rituals and cremation ceremonies take place. The temple itself features classic pagoda-style architecture, with gilded roofs, intricately carved wooden details, and a large sacred bull statue positioned near the western entrance.

Continue to Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest and most significant Buddhist stupas in the world. Rising 36 metres high, the stupa dominates the skyline and forms the spiritual centre of a vibrant Tibetan Buddhist community. Prayer wheels line the circular base, while monasteries and shops surround the site. The area became a key settlement for Tibetan refugees in the 1950s and remains an active place of worship and daily life.

The tour concludes at Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the heart of the old city. This historic square served as the royal palace complex of the Malla kings and later the Shah dynasty, and remains a living centre of culture, religion, and traditional Newari life. A collection of temples, courtyards, and palaces reflects the architectural and artistic heritage of medieval Nepal.
Key highlights within the square include the Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex, with its series of historic courtyards and museum collections; Kumari Ghar, home to the Living Goddess; and a number of intricately carved temples such as Jagannath Temple and the Shiva-Parvati Temple. The towering Kal Bhairav statue, once used for oath-taking, and the contrasting neoclassical Gaddi Baithak palace further reflect the layers of history found within the square. (B)

Overnight – Patan Inn

After breakfast, visit the quaint and ancient villages of Bungmati and Khokana. Within the Kathmandu Valley lays Bungmati, a small Newari village still abiding its tradition. Little influenced by the modern world, Bungmati exemplifies true beauty of the still living age old culture and civilisation. Your journey to Bungmati starts with a vantage point where one can behold the entire village of Bungmati and Khokana. Walking down the lanes of Bungmati, you will pass through local Newari people busy working on intricate designs in wood or stone on their way to creating many more beautiful artefacts keeping their talents running for the future generations to enjoy. Though small in size, at least 100 people from the village earn their living through wood carving. The village is the origin of the procession of the chariot of Machhindranath, one of the most important festivals of the Newari community. Not far from the village of Bungmati is another interesting Newari village called Khokana, where an important temple of Lord Ganesha is situated. Khokana is also a small Newari village established in the 7th century AD by the mighty Licchhavi rulers of Nepal. It is a unique village because of its detachment from modern civilisation.

Later in the afternoon, drive to Pherping, Neydo Monastery. Spend the night amidst the most scenic area in the Kathmandu Valley, in a Buddhist Monastery Guesthouse, located in the most peaceful location alongside Neydo Tashi Choeling Monastery. Here you will learn about the life of a monk.

At 5pm, witness the debating session of the monks, which happens outdoors, behind the monastery. It’s an interesting activity to watch, looking almost like a great challenge with an opponent, with the purpose of helping monks to understand and internalise the teachings of the day. Following the debating, experience the daily protection puja, with the constant beating of drums, blowing of the conch shell and long traditional horns etc. This traditional ritual is dedicated primarily to Mahakala and his retinue, along with other Dharmapalas, the Protectors of the Buddha Dharma. It seeks to safeguard the Dharma, preserve its lineage, and offer protection to all true practitioners of the path. Dinner is from 7pm in the dining room. (B,D)

Overnight – Neydo Monastery

After breakfast, set off for Bhaktapur, also known as Bhadgaon, or the ‘City of Devotees’. The smallest of the three cities in the Kathmandu Valley, Bhaktapur is a masterpiece of medieval architecture and Newari culture. The main square, known as ‘Layaku’, is home to some of the valley’s most striking landmarks, including the 15th-century Palace of 55 Carved Windows and the intricately adorned Golden Gate, once used as the royal entrance.

Scattered across the square are architectural gems like the Lion Gate, the stone temple of Vatsala Devi, and a striking statue of King Bhupatindra Malla perched atop a monumental pillar. Nearby, you’ll find the famous ‘Bell of Barking Dogs’, a bronze bell commissioned by King Ranjit Malla in 1737.

Following your exploration, continue on to the peaceful village of Panauti, where you’ll enjoy lunch and settle in for an overnight stay at a local community homestay.

Often described as a hidden gem, Panauti sits at the confluence of the sacred Rosi and Punyamati rivers and holds a special place in Nepalese history. Gifted in the 18th century as a dowry by the king of Bhaktapur, the town still resonates with timeless beauty, temples, festivals, and artisanal traditions that remain vibrantly intact.

Your accommodation here is part of a women-led homestay network guided by the philosophy: ‘Run by the Women, for the Women’. It’s a meaningful way to experience the daily rhythms of Nepali village life while directly supporting local female entrepreneurs. Meals are lovingly prepared by your host family, and if you’re curious, you’re warmly invited into the kitchen to take part in the cooking process. (B,L,D)

Overnight – Community Homestay, Panauti

After breakfast, depart for Namobuddha, one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal. Steeped in legend, this hilltop monastery is said to be the place where a young prince, (an incarnation of the Buddha), offered his body to a starving tigress and her cubs, an act of profound compassion that continues to inspire pilgrims and spiritual seekers.

From Namobuddha, your journey continues to Dhulikhel View Tower, where panoramic views stretch across the Himalayas. After taking in the mountain air, you’ll be transferred back to Kathmandu for the evening. (B)

Overnight – Hotel Nepali Ghar or similar

After breakfast, you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Kathmandu International Airport in time for your onward flight. This transfer marks the conclusion of your journey through Bhutan and Nepal. (B)