Worldwide Escorted Tours

Punakha Dzong – ‘Palace of Great Happiness’ – built at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers in 1637. Punakha Dzong is arguably the most beautiful building in the country, especially in spring when the lilac-colored jacaranda trees bring a lush sensuality to its characteristically towering, whitewashed walls. Day 9: Punakha to Paro B/L/D Transfer to the beautiful valley of Paro – a region with a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. It is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries and is watched over by the mighty Mount Chomolhari (7,314m) at the northern end of the valley, its glacial waters plunging through deep gorges to form the Pa Chhu – the Paro River. In the afternoon visit ‘The Fortress of the Heap of Jewels’ and browse the local artisan markets. Day 10: Paro B/L/D After a full breakfast at the hotel, the morning is reserved for an optional hike to the Taktsang Monastery (approx 5 hours walk there and back). This spectacular monastery is one of the most famous in Bhutan, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and is visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. Day 11: Paro to Kathmandu B/L/D In the morning you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu where you’ll spend the afternoon in Durbar Square. Once the residence of Nepal’s Royal family, Durbar has numerous ancient shrines and temples for you to explore in and around the premises including ‘The Temple of the Living Goddess’. In the evening you’ll be treated to a farewell authentic Nepalese dinner and cultural dance at the BhojanBhumi restaurant where you’ll experience a range of local dishes and a concert of classical folk music. The perfect end to an incredible tour. Day 12: Kathmandu to UK B After breakfast at your hotel you’ll be taken to the airport for your return flight to the UK, or continue on to your chosen extension. What’s included ✔ Return flights Return flights London Heathrow to Kathmandu, with Qatar ✔ Where you’ll stay Kathmandu, 4 H Hotel Himalaya Chitwan, 3 H Hotel Parkside Thimpu, 4 H Ariya Hotel Punakha, 4 H Zhingkham Resort Paro, 4 H Hotel Kaachi Grand ✔ 39 meals ✔ 11 excursions ✔ Expert local tour guide Tour pace: Challenging Kathmandu Punakha Dzong Chitwan National Park Thimpu Extend your tour A Taste of India, from £499 India’s Golden Triangle, from £769 Pokhara & Bandipur, from £669 Departures & from prices Oct 24 £3,499 May 25 £2,999 Nov 24 £3,399 Sep 25 £3,199 Feb 25 £3,499 Nov 25 £3,699 Mar 25 £3,499 • Lead-in price based on 27 May 25 • A single supplement starts from just £489 • Tipping paid locally £64 pp per tour Pokhara & Ba dipur, from £669 India’s Golde Triangle, from £769 Includes: Private vehicle & driver/guide or driver and local guides; return flights; accommodation, meals & excursions as per Group Tour PRIVATE TOURING FROM ONLY AN EXTRA £499 PP • AVAILABLE DAILY • Visit our website or call 0800 954 9329 to book or for further details Central Asia, India & Sri Lanka  23