• Elevation: 1,400 meters (4,593 feet)

• Activities: Arrival, airport transfer, hotel check-in, and relaxation.

Your Himalayan odyssey begins as your flight descends into Kathmandu Valley, surrounded by green hills and distant mountain peaks. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Robinson Crusoe Holidays will greet you with a warm Namaste and transfer you to your hotel. Use the rest of the day to rest, unwind, and settle into the vibrant rhythm of Nepal’s capital.

• Activities: Guided cultural sightseeing tour.

After breakfast, dive straight into the heart of Kathmandu’s living heritage.

• Kathmandu Durbar Square: Marvel at the intricate wood carvings, historic courtyards, and pagoda temples that formed the royal seat of the Malla kings.

• Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple): Perched atop a wooded hill overlooking the entire valley, this ancient Buddhist stupa watches over the city with the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha, framed by fluttering multi-colored prayer flags.

• Patan City: Cross the river to the ancient city of Patan (Lalitpur), renowned for its master metal craftsmen, stone architecture, and the stunning Patan Durbar Square.

• Activities: UNESCO World Heritage exploration.

Today unveils more of Nepal’s profound spiritual diversity:

• Pashupatinath Temple: Situated on the banks of the holy Bagmati River, this sacred Hindu temple complex is dedicated to Lord Shiva and serves as a fascinating center of ascetic tradition and cremation rituals.

• Boudhanath Stupa: One of the largest spherical stupas in the world and a central hub of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Walk the kora (circumambulation) alongside monks and pilgrims chanting mantras and spinning prayer wheels.

• Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Step back in time in this beautifully preserved medieval town famous for the 55-Window Palace, towering pagoda temples, and authentic local pottery squares.

• Elevation: 3,650 meters (11,975 feet)

• Activities: Trans-Himalayan flight and high-altitude acclimatization.

Bid farewell to Nepal as you board an early morning flight to Lhasa. This is widely considered one of the most breathtaking flight routes on Earth, soaring directly over the majestic peaks of the eastern Himalayas, including glimpses of Mount Everest. Upon arrival at Lhasa Gonggar Airport, your Tibetan guide greets you with a traditional Tashi Delek. Drive across the bridge over the majestic Brahmaputra/Lhasa River to your hotel.

• Important Acclimatization Tip: Take it very easy today. Drink plenty of water, eat light meals, rest in your room, and let your body adjust naturally to the high altitude.

• Elevation: 3,650 meters

• Activities: Cultural sightseeing in Lhasa.

Your first full day in Tibet is dedicated to its most sacred and iconic landmarks:

• Potala Palace: Dominating the skyline from Red Hill, the majestic winter palace of the Dalai Lama offers a labyrinth of white and red structures housing thousands of rooms, priceless artwork, and gilded burial stupas of past Dalai Lamas.

• Jokhang Temple: Located in the heart of the old city, this 7th-century temple is the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism. Inside, venerate the life-sized statue of Buddha Sakyamuni brought to Tibet by Princess Wencheng.

• Barkhor Street: Conclude the day by joining pilgrims walking the sacred pilgrim path around Jokhang Temple, browsing local handicrafts, Tibetan incense, and singing bowls.

• Elevation: 3,650 meters

• Activities: Deep dive into Tibetan monastic life.

Today explores Tibet’s great monastic institutions:

• Drepung Monastery: Once the largest monastery in the world housing over 10,000 monks, Drepung offers stunning assembly halls, chapels, and panoramic views over the Lhasa valley.

• Sera Monastery: In the afternoon, witness the famous and energetic monk debates in the shady courtyard, where monks clap their hands, stamp their feet, and enthusiastically debate Buddhist philosophy.

• Elevation: 1,400 meters

• Activities: Flight back to Kathmandu, afternoon free for leisure or souvenir shopping.

After breakfast, transfer to Lhasa Gonggar Airport for your return flight across the Himalayas to Kathmandu. Enjoy the afternoon at your own leisure—stroll through the bustling tourist hub of Thamel, pick up authentic pashminas or singing bowls, or simply relax at your hotel reminiscing about your Tibetan adventure.

• Elevation: Paro (2,200m) / Thimphu (2,330m)

• Activities: Mountain flight into Bhutan and scenic valley drive.

Board your flight to Paro, Bhutan. The approach into Paro Valley offers a thrilling view of jagged mountain peaks and emerald-green river valleys. Upon landing, complete visa formalities and meet your Bhutanese guide. Enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour drive alongside winding rivers to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan—notable as the only capital in the world without a single traffic light! Check into your hotel and take a gentle evening stroll around the town center.

• Elevation: 2,330 meters

• Activities: Sightseeing in Thimphu valley.

Explore the unique blend of ancient tradition and modern life in Bhutan’s capital:

• National Memorial Chorten: A peaceful stupa where locals gather daily to chant prayers and spin giant prayer wheels.

• Buddha Dordenma (Buddha Point): A massive 51-meter bronze statue of Shakyamuni Buddha overlooking the Thimphu Valley, offering incredible panoramic views.

• Simply Bhutan / Folk Heritage Museum: An interactive living museum offering insights into traditional Bhutanese rural life, traditional dress (Gho and Kira), archery, and local cuisine.

• Tashichho Dzong: The impressive fortress-monastery housing the government offices and the central monk body.

• Elevation: Punakha (1,200 meters / 3,937 feet)

• Activities: Mountain pass drive and fortress visit.

Depart Thimphu for Punakha, ascending over the breathtaking Dochula Pass (3,140 meters). On a clear day, the pass rewards you with a 360-degree panoramic view of the snow-capped eastern Himalayan mountain ranges, flanked by 108 memorial chortens. Descend into the sub-tropical Punakha valley and visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong (Palace of Great Happiness), spectacularly situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers.

• Elevation: 2,200 meters

• Activities: Scenic return drive and Paro town exploration.

Drive back across the Dochula Pass to the historic Paro Valley. Upon arrival, visit Ta Dzong, a ancient watchtower that now houses the National Museum of Bhutan, showcasing a rich collection of ancient art, armor, and stamps. Afterward, walk down to Rinpung Dzong (Fortress on a Heap of Jewels), a fine example of traditional Bhutanese architecture overlooking the Paro River. Spend your evening exploring Paro’s charming main street.

• Elevation: 3,120 meters (climb destination)

• Activities: Iconic hike and international departure.

No trip to Bhutan is complete without visiting its most sacred and iconic landmark: Taktsang Goemba, popularly known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

• The Hike: Embark on a scenic morning hike through pine forests up to the cliffside viewpoint (approximately 4–5 hours round trip). For those who prefer assistance, pony rides can be arranged for part of the ascent. Clinging to a sheer vertical cliff 900 meters above the Paro valley floor, the monastery marks the legendary site where Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress to meditate in the 8th century.

After descending and enjoying a celebratory farewell lunch, your Robinson Crusoe Holidays guide will transfer you to Paro International Airport for your onward flight home, carrying memories of the Himalayas that will last a lifetime.