Three Kingdoms of the Himalaya: Nepal, Bhutan & Tibet

On this memorable introduction to the Himalayan kingdoms of Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet, we do what only history’s most intrepid explorers did: travel to all three Himalayan kingdoms in one trip. We begin our Three Kingdoms odyssey on the pastoral back roads of Bhutan.

The “Land of the Thunder Dragon” provides a gentle entrance into a mysterious world and prepares us for the higher altitudes to come. From here, we fly into Kathmandu, Nepal’s robust capital. Although it has plunged headlong into the 21st century, Kathmandu still retains its unique character, defined by the Kathmandu Valley’s astounding cultural diversity. Our hotel garden invites us to unwind after touring some of the world’s oldest Hindu and Buddhist sites. Next, we fly to Lhasa, the ancient capital of Tibet. The flight conveys us over the soaring Himalaya, including Everest – “Goddess Mother of the World.” Upon arrival, we catch our breath (the elevation of Lhasa is 12,000’) and head out to explore monasteries, farms and villages. The generosity of the Tibetan people and the cultural changes they’ve endured over the past 50 years leave a lasting impression.