Highland Treasures – 10 Days

Upon your arrival at Paro International Airport, our representative will warmly welcome you and escort you to your hotel in Thimphu, the vibrant capital city of Bhutan. Your journey begins with a picturesque drive along the winding road that follows the beautiful Paro River.

Experience the grandeur of Tashichho Dzong, also known as ‘The Fortress of the Dharma Raja.’ It has traditionally been the seat of the Druk Desi, the head of Bhutan’s civil government.

Note: Tashichho Dzong is open during weekdays after office hours (5pm onwards) and from 9am to 5pm on weekends.

Begin the day with a hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery, also known as the ‘Tiger’s Nest.’ Perched dramatically on a vertical cliff at an altitude of 3,000 meters north of Paro, this stunning monastery is Bhutan’s most famous and unofficial symbol.

Afterward, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, a significant Himalayan Buddhist temple near Paro Airport. Built in the 7th century, it is one of Bhutan’s oldest and most revered religious sites.

After breakfast transfer to Paro Airport for your flight to Kathmandu.

The city of Kathmandu is a melting pot for the nation’s population and its unique architectural heritage, palaces, temples, and courtyards have inspired many writers, artists, and poets, both foreign and Nepalese. It boasts a unique symbiosis of Hinduism, Buddhism and Tantrism in its culture, which is still as alive today as it was hundreds of years ago. Religious influence can only be seen in the city.

Explore the vegetable and spice market in Ason, its many courtyards, and bustling bazaars. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kathmandu Durbar Square.

Also visit Swayambhunath Stupa, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known as the Self-Created Stupa.

Begin your day with an early morning Helicopter Charter tour to Mount Everest. Departing from Kathmandu Domestic Airport, the tour heads east, offering a rare and fascinating opportunity to embrace the legendary Himalayas and witness their ineffable beauty.

In the evening visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of Kathmandu’s most imposing and significant landmarks. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a center of Tibetan Buddhism and is built on a massive three-level mandala. As one of the largest stupas in the world, it attracts countless visitors. Surrounding the stupa, you’ll find shops offering a variety of souvenirs, handicrafts, and exclusive Tibetan specialties and delicacies.

After breakfast at your hotel, set out to explore Patan, known as the city of artisans and a paradise of fine arts. Patan is home to the valley’s finest craftsmen who have preserved the ancient repoussé technique, creating exquisite sculptures by turning, chiseling, and hammering sheets of metal. The city retains much of its old-world charm with its narrow streets, brick houses, and numerous courtyards, or “bahals,” filled with Hindu temples and Buddhist monasteries.

Stroll through the narrow streets to the heart of the city, Patan Durbar Square. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its ancient palaces, pagoda temples, stone baths, statues, engravings, and bronze carvings. One of the main attractions is the Royal Palace, where the Malla Kings once resided. The Patan Museum, also located here, showcases an impressive collection of traditional crafts and artworks.

After breakfast, head out to Bhaktapur, medieval town of Bhaktapur, also known as Bhadgaon, the ‘City of Devotees.’ Located on the Araniko Highway, connecting Kathmandu to the Chinese border, Bhaktapur transports visitors back in time with its traditional art and architecture, historical monuments, rich culture, pottery, and numerous festivals.

Explore Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its well-preserved temples and palaces from the Malla Dynasty. Despite the damage caused by the earthquake in April 2015, the square retains its charm and historical significance.

Visit the Nyatapola Temple, Bhairavnath Temple, The Golden Gate, and Taumadhi Tole, each offering a glimpse into Nepal’s rich cultural heritage.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing for Lhasa. Upon arrival at Gonggar Airport (3570m) in Lhasa, you will be met and assisted by our representative. After checking in to the hotel, rest for most of the day.

Lhasa is a city of wonders that contains many culturally significant Tibetan Buddhist religious sites and lies in a valley next to the Lhasa River.

After breakfast, visit Sera and Drepung Monastery.

Founded in 1419, Sera Monastery is one of the “great three” Gelukpa university monasteries in Tibet. 5km north of Lhasa, the Sera Monastery’s setting is one of the prettiest in Lhasa. The Drepung Monastery houses many cultural relics, making it more beautiful and giving it more historical significance.

Today, visit Potala Palace, Jokhang, Norbulinka and Barkhor Market.

Potala Palace, the chief residence of the Dalai Lama since the 7th century has been the focus of travelers for centuries. It is the cardinal landmark and a structure of massive proportion. It symbolizes Tibetan Buddhism and its role in the traditional administration of Tibet.

Norbulingka means ‘Treasure Park’ in Tibetan and is situated in the western suburb of Lhasa City, on the bank of the Kyichu River, about one kilometer southwest of the Potala Palace. It is the biggest man-made garden in Tibet. Jokhang Temple also houses many invaluable cultural relics. Every year, the Great Prayer Festival is held here.

Visit Barkhor Street, the oldest street in Lhasa and runs through the center of the old city. It is a circular street where Tibetan culture, economy, religion and arts assemble.

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu take your flight back home.