NEPAL: HIMALAYA HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights

• Hear about National Geographic Grantee Chhing Lhomi’s efforts to preserve ancient weaving traditions in the Upper Mustang region.

• Stay overnight at a Buddhist monastery guesthouse in Pharping, and visit a Tibetan refugee camp.

• Search for tigers in Chitwan National Park, and learn about the conservation efforts of the Nepal Tiger Trust.

• Learn how to make Nepalese momo dumplings from local women.

Mount Everest; then visit the holy Swayambhunath Buddhist temple. Learn about National Geographic Grantee, Chhing Lhomi, who works to preserve the ancient weaving traditions of the Upper Mustang region through the Himalayan Indigenous Society. Travel to Pharping, and stay at a Buddhist Monastery guesthouse. The next day, rise early for a morning chanting ceremony. Drive to Kurintar, and hike to our remote lodge overlooking the Trishuli River.

DAYS 5–6 I CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK

10 DAYS FROM $ 2,499

MY OWN ROOM OPTION: + $939

MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE: 15

Dates

2023: Departures available year-round

2024: Departures available year-round

Please visit our website for departure dates.

DAYS 1–2 I KATHMANDU, NEPAL

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included. This evening, enjoy a Nepali welcome feast. Spend the next day exploring Kathmandu and the surrounding areas, including the Bodnath Stupa and the royal city of Bhaktapur. Later, visit the Sisterhood of Survivors Project, and learn how to make Nepalese momos (dumplings).

DAYS 3–4 I KATHMANDU/PHARPING/ KURINTAR

Opt to take a flight-seeing excursion around

Travel to Chitwan National Park, and board a traditional boat for a wildlife-viewing excursion. Meet a tiger “technician,” and hear about the Nepal Tiger Trust, dedicated to the protection of tigers in Nepal. Our expert joins us on a jeep safari to teach us how tigers are protected with help from the local community.

DAYS 7–10 I POKHARA/KATHMANDU

Drive to Pokhara. The next day, hike to Sarangkot at sunrise, and see the World Peace Pagoda. Visit a Tibetan refugee settlement, and sit down to a local Tibetan lunch. Catch a flight back to Kathmandu, and enjoy a free afternoon to explore. Depart at any time on the last day.

EXPLORE INDIA & NEPAL

17 DAYS I Combine your exploration of Nepal with a journey through India’s famed “golden triangle.”

Visit our website for departure dates and a detailed itinerary.

FROM $4,199

PER PERSON. AIRFARE TO/FROM IS NOT INCLUDED.

MY OWN ROOM OPTION: + $1,519

MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE: 16

WHAT’S INCLUDED

All transport between destinations and to/from included activities, and activities as listed in the itinerary. Optional excursions are at an additional cost.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Comfortable, mid-range hotels (8 nights), monastery guesthouse (1 night)

MEALS INCLUDED

9 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners. Allow an additional $170–$225 per person for meals not included.

TRANSPORTATION

4×4, private bus, plane, boat

GUARANTEED DEPARTURES

If you’re booked, you’re going.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore five UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the incredible Taj Mahal.

• Cruise the Ganges River at sunrise to witness ancient Hindu rituals, and prepare a meal with a family in Jaipur.

15 DAYS FROM $ 3,299

PER PERSON. AIRFARE TO/FROM IS NOT INCLUDED.

MY OWN ROOM OPTION: + $959

MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE: 16

Delve into northern India’s cultural riches on an unforgettable journey from Delhi to Varanasi, Agra to Jaipur, and beyond. Discover the world’s most magnificent monument to love, the Taj Mahal; learn about the spiritual significance of the Ganges River with a local scholar; and gain insights into rural life in a quaint Rajasthani village.

DAYS 1–5 I DELHI, INDIA/VARANASI/LUCKNOW

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included. Tour New Delhi on foot and Old Delhi by rickshaw. Visit India’s largest mosque and a Sikh temple. Fly to holy Varanasi, known for picturesque ghats on the Ganges River. Observe Hindu rituals and prayer ceremonies on evening and sunrise boat rides. Go on a food tour in Lucknow.

DAYS 6–8 I AGRA/RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK

Take a private bus to Agra, and marvel at the Taj Mahal. At Ranthambore National Park, spend a full day seeking out monkeys, sloth bears, leopards, and the elusive Bengal tiger.

DAYS 9–11 I JAIPUR

Explore the rose-colored buildings of Rajasthan’s “pink city,” and share a meal at the home of a local family.

DAYS

11–15 I JOJAWAR/UDAIPUR/DELHI

Experience rural Rajasthani life in a colorful village. Go from bustling bazaars to the exquisite palace and temples of Udaipur, and float past marble palaces by boat. Fly to Delhi; then depart at any time on our last day.

Above: A thrilling tiger sighting in Ranthambore National Park

Call or visit our website for full itineraries, inclusions, and more.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore the Bhutanese capital of Thimphu and timeless shrines nestled in the countryside.

• Hike to the legendary Taktsang Lhakhang (Tiger’s Nest Temple).

10 DAYS FROM $ 5,299 PER PERSON. AIRFARE TO/FROM IS NOT INCLUDED. MY OWN ROOM OPTION: + $839

MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE: 15

Set out on an adventure across Bhutan, a remote Buddhist kingdom ringed by soaring Himalayan peaks. Explore ancient shrines nestled in lush mountain valleys; hike up to the spectacular Tiger’s Nest Temple; and meet with monks, artists, and farmers as you learn about the country’s rich cultural heritage.

DAYS 1–3 I PARO, BHUTAN/THIMPHU/PUNAKHA

Arrive in Paro, and transfer to Thimphu, where we’ll discuss Buddhist beliefs with a monk. Head to Punakha, and explore the stunning Punakha Dzong, the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup nunnery, and a picturesque chorten.

DAYS 4–6 I PHOBJIKHA VALLEY/THIMPHU

Lean about endangered cranes at the Black-necked Crane Visitor Centre, and visit Gangtey Gonpa, one of the oldest Nyingmapa monasteries in Bhutan. Travel to the village of Khewa, and have dinner with a local family at their farm. The following day, drive to Thimphu to see the enormous golden Buddha Dordenma, and watch students practicing traditional arts at the National Institute for Zorig Chusum. Hear a talk on the country’s Gross National Happiness index.

DAYS 7–9 I HAA VALLEY/PARO

Observe pilgrims circling Thimphu’s Memorial Chorten; then drive to the remote Haa Valley. Hike to the Kila Goemba nunnery, built on a steep cliff face, and visit one of Bhutan’s oldest temples. Return to Paro, and venture to the famed Taktsang Lhakhang—or Tiger’s Nest Temple.

Day 10 I Paro

Depart at any time.

Above: Prayer flags lead a colorful path to the Tiger’s Nest Temple.