The Himalayas

:: days 1 — 2 ::

Bangkok, one of Asia’s most cosmopolitan cities, is your gateway to your first stop, Bhutan. Enjoy a little rest and relaxation in your luxury accommodations before your adventure begins in earnest.

The Royal Treatment

On your one sightseeing day in Bangkok, you’ll take a leisurely boat ride down the river and dock at the pier of the Grand Palace complex. You’ll walk through the palace grounds with a private guide and take in the ornate splendor, from the golden stupas to elaborate gold- and enamel-encrusted walls and statues to the pièce de résistance, the outrageously detailed Temple of the Emerald Buddha. An evening lecture by an expert from the International Buddhist College will help give you some context around the many Buddhist sites you’ll see on the trip.

After a sunset cruise down the River of Kings, you’ll dine on its banks at the Chakrabongse House, a former residence of the Thai royal family, next to a stunning backdrop of the city’s grandest temples.

:: days 3 — 5 ::

Kingdom in the Clouds

Your first descent into the Paro Valley will take your breath away with its green countryside contrasted against the majestic peaks of the Himalaya Mountains. The town of Paro is your home base as you explore the nature and culture of Bhutan. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed with a Tashi Khadda, a traditional white scarf offered as a symbol of goodwill and purity that is offered on auspicious occasions.

Bhutanese history and culture

Your time in Bhutan is a total immersion in the kingdom’s history and culture. In Paro, you'll visit the picturesque Rinpung Dzong—part fortress and part Buddhist monastery situated on a hillside near the Paro River. You'll also stop at Ta-Dzong, the National Museum of Bhutan, full of traditional fine arts, jewelry, handicrafts, and a full collection of Bhutanese stamps.

Thimphu, textiles, and traditional medicine

On your second day, you'll take a short trip to Thimphu, the capital and largest city in Bhutan, where you’ll visit Simtoha Dzong, said to be the first dzong built in Bhutan. The Folk Heritage Museum and the National Textile Museum give a glimpse into traditional Bhutanese life, including a group of textile weavers practicing this ancient Bhutanese art. When you return to Paro, take a crack at archery, Bhutan's national sport—and national obsession. In the evening, you'll enjoy a cooking demonstration at a local Bhutanese restaurant with the opportunity to enjoy the food afterwards.

The Tiger's Nest

On your third day in Bhutan, you'll take a long hike (or a pony ride for part of the journey) from the Paro Valley to one of the country's most revered spots, Taktsang, also known as the Tiger's Nest Monastery. On your way up to the view point, you'll pass through small villages and fragrant pine forests. The Monastery, one of the most sacred sites in Bhutan, clings to a granite cliffside nearly 10,000 feet above sea level.

:: days 6 — 8 ::

The Home of the Gods

Shrouded in secrecy well into the 1960s, Nepal is now a favorite destination spot for climbing, trekking, and spiritual quests. In the heart of the Himalaya Mountain range, Nepal is a crossroads of both Buddhist and Hindu culture, and is home to some of the most sacred sites for each religion. Kathmandu is a fascinating blend of old and new—part modern metropolis buzzing with life, part ancient city, unchanged since the middle ages, with temples, shrines, and living gods.

An auspicious welcome

When you arrive in Kathmandu, you'll be greeted by Panchakanya, five prepubescent girls who stand for good luck and symbolize the five Hindu goddesses. In Hindu and Nepalese tradition, their presence is considered auspicious when welcoming distinguished personalities and valued guests. On your first day, you'll get to explore Kathmandu, including Durbar Square; Taleju Temple's gilded roofs; the House of the Living Goddess, where the virgin goddess Kumari may look down from one of the upper windows; and the bazaar and labyrinthine back streets of the Old City. Then view the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath from the east bank of the River Bagmati—non-Hindus are forbidden from entering the temple (if you're Hindu, venture inside.)

Reach for the heavens

Take an exhilarating one-hour flight through the Himalayas, including close-up views of Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse Nuptse. Then take a journey of a different kind when you drive to a Buddhist Monastery, where one of the senior monks will introduce you to the principles of meditation. You'll journey to the imposing Boudhanath Stupa, another World Heritage site, where you'll light and offer butter lamps and hang a prayer flag to send Buddhist blessings through the winds.

That evening, you'll hear from an Everest Summiteer about his experience, preparation, and challenges he faced during his summit of the world's tallest mountain—a slightly different experience than your one-hour flight. After, you'll dine on a traditional Nepali feast and receive a special surprise.

Villages by day, stars by night

Take a leisurely walk or bike ride around rice paddy fields, and explore Bungamati. Afterwards, deliver school supplies and clothing to a nearby school and get a chance to talk to the local children. Later that evening, meet with a local astrologer, who will read your chart and tell you what's in the stars for you. You'll wrap up your time in Nepal with a traditional Nepali feast and receive a special surprise.

:: days 9 — 11 ::

The roof of the world

In Tibet, life begins at nearly 12,000 feet. Lhasa, surrounded by Himalayan peaks, is one of the highest cities in the world at 11,450 feet. It is the cultural, commercial, and political capital of Tibet and one of the spiritual capitals of the world, home to dignified lamas and revered Buddhist shrines. The vast Potala Palace, sitting on a hilltop above Lhasa, is recognized around the world as a symbol of spirituality and enlightenment.

The religious heart of Tibet

Your first stop in Lhasa is the oldest and most holy pilgrimage site in all of Tibet. The Jokhang Temple, built during the Tang Dynasty, is a symbol of social progress and Buddhism’s rise during that time. You’ll also get to spend some time at the Barkhor Market just outside the temple grounds, where religious pilgrimage meets lively commercialism. This is the place to buy authentic Tibetan arts and crafts, cultural specialties, and religious articles of faith. The colors, the history, and the sheer energy of the market are a wonder to behold.

The Dalai Lama’s home

There's no missing the 13-story Potala Palace on Red Mountain in the center of Lhasa Valley. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's a majestic structure befitting the winter home of the Dalai Lama, which it was, from the 7th Century until His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama was exiled from Tibet in 1959. Inside the massive walls of the complex, you'll explore the White Palace with its precious works of Buddhist art, and the Red Palace, home to the gilded burial stupas of past Dalai Lamas. You'll also take a short walk to the Kangyur Stupa, where the words of the sacred Kanjur Buddhist text are carved into stone.

Tonight, you'll join your fellow travelers for an authentic Tibetan dinner and a cultural performance.

The Pilgrim’s Path

On your last day in Tibet, you'll visit an important pilgrimage site - the Ganden Monastery. This Monastery is one of the earliest and largest monasteries in Tibet. Walk the hour-long pilgrimage path around the complex—you're at 14,500 feet, and the views across the Lhasa Valley are stunning. You'll pass hundreds of Tibetan prayer flags, yak butter offerings, and tiny shrines embedded in the rock fissures. After a picnic lunch, you'll head back to Lhasa for an afternoon at leisure.

As the trip comes to a close, you'll enjoy a private farewell dinner at the Shangri-La hotel.

This 12-day Exclusive Journey combines best-in-the-region accommodations with an immersive, intensive, and remarkable cultural experience.

Accommodations

:: Bangkok, Thailand ::

Set on nearly three acres of gardens along the Chayo Praya River, The Siam is a unique retreat located near the Thai royal palace. Each of the hotel’s 38 suites and pool villas, a fusion of Art Deco and Thai antique décor, comes with its own private butler and luxury appointments such as a king bed, double wardrobes, and a large, elegant bathroom with double walk-in showers and a deep soaking tub. Take afternoon tea in the hotel’s Art Deco salon, relax in the spa or by the riverside infinity pool, or experiment with Thai cooking at the onsite cooking school.

:: Paro, Bhutan ::

Your home in Bhutan is the elegant Uma by COMO, Paro. Formerly the home of a Bhutanese nobleman, the original house is the hotel’s main building—29 rooms and suites dot the azalea-filled glades around the property. Your Forest View Room overlooks the surrounding pine forests and comes with a king-size bed, traditional hand-painted Bhutanese wall designs, and an en suite bath. The open circular dining room serves locally-sourced Indian, Western, and traditional Bhutanese cuisine, as well as a healthy cuisine menu.

:: Kathmandu, Nepal ::

Part art museum, part heritage site, fully luxurious, Dwarika’s Hotel is one of the finest places to stay in Kathmandu. The hotel is a collection of traditional Nepali houses surrounding a series of courtyards. Rooms and suites are decorated with intricately carved wood and terracotta in the style of the indigenous Newar people. Each large suite has its own distinct design, and the hotel features a traditional Nepalese restaurant and a spa specializing in treatments from the Himalayan region.

:: Lhasa, Tibet ::

The newly built Shangri-La Hotel is situated amidst striking mountain landscape with views of the famed Potala Palace. The hotel features traditional Tibetan architecture, with modern conveniences such as an Oxygen Lounge. Your Executive Suite provides sophisticated living with spacious comfort.

Notable Inclusions

• Dedicated resident tour director and guides throughout
• All internal flights (three total)
• All accommodations, best-of-the-best in the region
• Most meals (identified in the itinerary)
• Local beer, wine, and soft drinks with included lunches and dinners
• All tours, sightseeing and guided outings, including associated entrance fees
• Ground transportation throughout, including private airport transfers
• All gratuities for hotel and restaurant staff, guides, Tour Director, transfers

For the complete list of inclusions, visit the Himalayas page on ER Compass.