Kathmandu-Thimphu-Punakha-Paro-Kathmandu
An expert in Buddhist religion and practices, Binaya has worn many hats over the years. As a teacher, editor and translator, he has worked in the scholarly depths of Buddhist texts and traditions. This background makes him a fascinating companion on any journey through the Buddhist regions of the subcontinent. He has led enriching journeys for various US and international companies such as OAT, Road Scholar, Vantage, Gate 1, and Sierra Club, amongst others. Binaya’s travels through the region have made him a local expert in the regions of Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet and parts of India.
Culture and Religion Expert
Experience the unique charm of two beautiful Himalayan countries – Nepal and Bhutan – largely untouched by the rapid urbanisation of the outside world. Nepal is a country of sublime beauty, tucked away in the shades of the highest mountain range in the world, often called the “last paradise” on earth. Witness the magic and majesty of Nepal in this specially curated journey as you enjoy warm Newari hospitality and travel through some of the most significant towns, exploring historic temples and monasteries. Then fly down to the small kingdom nation of Bhutan – one of the world’s last remaining Shangri-La’s, a place of untouched beauty and happiness. Visit the ancient fortresses and temples of Bhutan while you the enjoy unparalleled natural beauty of its countryside
Be welcomed at the first destination of your tour - Kochi. The welcome dinner at the hotel is sure to help you unwind and prepare yourself for the tour ahead. Enjoy an interactive session with the tour expert, Mini Thapar, while she briefs you.
Be welcomed at the first destination of your tour - Kochi. The welcome dinner at the hotel is sure to help you unwind and prepare yourself for the tour ahead. Enjoy an interactive session with the tour expert, Mini Thapar, while she briefs you.
Be welcomed at the first destination of your tour - Kochi. The welcome dinner at the hotel is sure to help you unwind and prepare yourself for the tour ahead. Enjoy an interactive session with the tour expert, Mini Thapar, while she briefs you.
Be welcomed at the first destination of your tour - Kochi. The welcome dinner at the hotel is sure to help you unwind and prepare yourself for the tour ahead. Enjoy an interactive session with the tour expert, Mini Thapar, while she briefs you.
Be welcomed at the first destination of your tour - Kochi. The welcome dinner at the hotel is sure to help you unwind and prepare yourself for the tour ahead. Enjoy an interactive session with the tour expert, Mini Thapar, while she briefs you.
Be welcomed at the first destination of your tour - Kochi. The welcome dinner at the hotel is sure to help you unwind and prepare yourself for the tour ahead. Enjoy an interactive session with the tour expert, Mini Thapar, while she briefs you.
Be welcomed at the first destination of your tour - Kochi. The welcome dinner at the hotel is sure to help you unwind and prepare yourself for the tour ahead. Enjoy an interactive session with the tour expert, Mini Thapar, while she briefs you.
Be welcomed at the first destination of your tour - Kochi. The welcome dinner at the hotel is sure to help you unwind and prepare yourself for the tour ahead. Enjoy an interactive session with the tour expert, Mini Thapar, while she briefs you.
Be welcomed at the first destination of your tour - Kochi. The welcome dinner at the hotel is sure to help you unwind and prepare yourself for the tour ahead. Enjoy an interactive session with the tour expert, Mini Thapar, while she briefs you.
Be welcomed at the first destination of your tour - Kochi. The welcome dinner at the hotel is sure to help you unwind and prepare yourself for the tour ahead. Enjoy an interactive session with the tour expert, Mini Thapar, while she briefs you.
Be welcomed at the first destination of your tour - Kochi. The welcome dinner at the hotel is sure to help you unwind and prepare yourself for the tour ahead. Enjoy an interactive session with the tour expert, Mini Thapar, while she briefs you.
Welcome to the capital of Nepal! When in Kathmandu, close your eyes and let the endearing madness of the Himalayan kingdom engulf you in its fold. Enjoy dinner and briefing by your journey expert.
After breakfast at the hotel, drive down to the old Newari city of Bhaktapur. Visit the Durbar Square, a beautiful plaza in front of the 55-windowed royal palace; Golden Gate and National Art Gallery. In the afternoon, drop by the home of a local Newari family to learn some tips and tricks of Nepalese cooking and enjoy the meal after. Later, take a tour of the Patan Durbar Square.
Drive to the Budhanilkantha Temple, which is dedicated to the Hindu Lord Vishnu and hike to the beautiful Namkha Monastery. The walk takes you through villages and fields, offering a peak into the peaceful life of the region. In the evening, attend a talk by an Everest summiteer and later, take a rickshaw ride around Thamel, the most popular tourist hub in the city of Kathmandu
Fly to Paro, Bhutan and later, drive down to Thimphu, the capital city. In the evening, visit Trashichhoedzong, an impressive fortress and monastery that houses the Secretariat building, the throne room of the king and various government offices.
Start your day by visiting the Tango Goemba monastery. Located at the edge of a hill, the trek to the monastery, which takes approximately two hours both ways, offers beautiful views of the countryside and the idyllic life of rural Bhutan. Later, learn the traditional art of Thangka painting and visit the Textile Museum. The excursion ends at the Buddha Point (or Kuensel Phodrang
Drive to Punakha, via the stunning Dochula pass, situated at a height of over 3000 meters. Visit the Punakha Dzong, also known as the ‘Palace of Great Happiness’. Enjoy a short walk across farmhouses and rice paddies that lead to Chimi Lhakhang, a 15th-century fertility temple.
Embark on a beautiful hike to the regal Khamsum Yuelley Namgel Chorten, approximately two hours round trip. Make an excursion to Talo village to encounter the peaceful life of the region. Drop by the Talo Sangnacholing Dzong for majestic views of the surrounding villages and the Nalanda Buddhist Institute.
Drive to Paro, an approximately 4-hour drive and explore the Paro valley. Home to many of Bhutan's oldest temples and monasteries, Paro is a great area to discover on foot. Spend your afternoon taking a tour of the city.
Hike up to the Taktsang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest, an approximate round trip of 5 hours by foot. The hike up to the monastery crosses through dirt roads, with scattered views of the valley below, and prayer flags above. In the evening, watch a traditional mask dance and cultural show
Fly back to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is yours to spend at your own pace
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board the flight to onward destination
This tour will give you an insight into the religion and culture of India along with the chance to attend a big fat Indian wedding. Join a real couple's wedding to witness the celebrations and preparations and know more about the various rituals and cultures of an Indian family wedding.
This trip is specially designed for an eco-friendly, low-impact visit to some of the most pristine and undisturbed areas of the magnificent Himalayas
This tour gives an insight into the tea plantations and production of India along with an exclusive tea tasting session.