Bhutan and Nepal: Heart of the Himalaya

Film and folk festivals, well-trodden trails and secret scenic routes, a deep-end dive into Nepal’s gods, spirits, prayers and rituals: Kathmandu’s culture is everywhere you look. Temples, monasteries and elaborate courtyards built by Newar artisans have endured; Durbar Square and Teleju Temple give way to a bustling bazaar and the old city’s labyrinthine backstreets. Patan is known as the city of arts and architecture and famous for its fine bronze, silver and copper works and its museum exhibits intricate metalwork sculptures of Hindu and Buddhist deities.

Bhaktapur, a city founded in the ninth century that today is one of the three main cities of the Kathmandu Valley, is a major Newar settlement. Explore its palace constructed in the 17th century by famed King Bhupatindra Malla and visit Nyatapola, a striking five-tiered temple built in an angular pagoda style. Then proceed to Pashupatinath, a Hindu temple built in a pagoda style. Continue to Boudhanath, home to a Buddhist shrine, where you meet a local artisan for an overview on thangka (scroll) paintings and Buddhism. Later, hear a lecture by a Mount Everest summiteer.

Visit Swayambhunath, one of the most sacred shrines for Tibetan Buddhists. After lunch, ride by rickshaw to Kathmandu Durbar Square and Taleju Temple, see the House of the Living Goddess (Kumari), and stroll the bazaar and old city.

Fly to Paro, your gateway to Bhutan, a nation whose cultural traditions remain well preserved. Travel to Thimphu, home to dzong temples decorated with traditional thangka paintings and colorful ritual cakes reminiscent of Catherine Wheels, celestial institutes and the National Chorten Memorial, where residents come for daily worship, spinning prayer wheels and walking meditative loops around the outside, all set the spiritual scene in Bhutan’s easy-to-explore, low-key capital.

Drive over Dochula Pass to Punakha. Known for its quality produce, the low-altitude Punakha Valley is all terraced rice paddies, red chilies and aubergines drying in the sun on corrugated tin roofs. Two rivers, Pho and Mo Chu, converge in the valley, whilst tucked-away temples — such as the infamous Chimi Lhakhang monastery, surrounded by fluttering prayer flags — can only be reached on foot. Take a short hike before continuing to Punakha Dzong.

Ascend to Buddha Point to view the soaring Buddha Dordenma statue. After, visit a sanctuary for the takin (gnu) and the Bhutan Postal Museum. Continue to Simtokha Dzong, one of the oldest dzongs in Bhutan and the Central Farmer’s Market, where you can sample local fruits and cheeses, smell incense, and get a feel for life in Thimphu.

The single-street town of Paro is the place for picking up the softest yak-wool shawls, Bhutanese whisky, intricate wood carvings and singing bowls to take home, as well as lighting butter lamps at sacred shrines. En route, stop to visit local farmers at their farmhouse and proceed to Kyichu Lhakhang, a seventh-century Himalayan Buddhist temple. After lunch, view the religious thangka paintings and explore the National Museum of Bhutan.

The pinnacle of any trip to Bhutan is an early morning trek up to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, which clings to the cliff 3,000 feet above the valley. Toast to your ascent with Champagne, followed by lunch. Later, try your hand at archery, Bhutan's national sport.

Fly to Bharatpur, via Kathmandu, where you continue overland to your lodge in Chitwan National Park. After lunch, float down the Rapti River, taking in beautiful views of the Himalayan foothills and spotting exotic species along the way. Finish with a refreshing cocktail on one of the river's banks. This evening, experience the rich cultural heritage of the region through an engaging performance of traditional folk dances.

Rise early to track one-horned rhinos through the jungle with an expert naturalist, perhaps even stealing a rare glimpse of the elusive Bengal tiger. Later, embark on a journey into the heart of nature with a walking safari led by an experienced naturalist. Alternatively, you may wish to take a short village walk, offering a unique opportunity to experience the authentic lifestyle of the indigenous communities.

Savor one last morning among the wilds of the park. Then, travel to Bharatpur for your flight to Kathmandu. Explore Patan to see Durbar Square and the former royal palace. Then, cook up local favorites at a local family's home. Later, gather for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

After breakfast, take your private transfer to the airport for your departing flight.