Example Itinerary

An Intimate Himalayan Adventure: Through China, Nepal, Bhutan and India

Duration
22 days / 21 nights
Price Per Person
From $21,500
Interests
Sports, Amazing Landscapes, Post-Covid Wellness
Destinations
India, Nepal, China, Tibet, Bhutan

Explore the world’s highest mountain range up close as you embark on this 22-day Intimate Himalayan Adventure. You’ll traverse four countries in three weeks, seeing epic highlights of each that will leave you in awe. Begin your travels in Beijing, traveling on to Lhasa, Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, Thimphu, Gangtey, Punakha, Paro and New Delhi. See the Himalayan range as it stretches across the countryside. With hiking, art, culture, history and spiritual adventures to be had - three weeks will fly by in this exciting, unforgettable Himalayan adventure of a lifetime.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Holy Tibet: One of the holiest places in the world, Tibet sits high in the Himalayans welcoming pilgrims and visitors to explore its sacred temples, vast plateaus, and glacial lakes.
  • Wildlife Safari: The subtropical inner lowlands of Nepal is home to endangered big game wildlife such as rhinos, leopards, tigers, and sloth bears. Go on a safari at Chitwan National Park for a chance to spot these animals in their natural environment.
  • Hermit Kingdom: Tucked into the mountains is the small kingdom of Bhutan, the happiest place on earth. Witness the locals in their traditional clothes, trek scenic countryside trails, and visit historical and spiritual landmarks across the land.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Beijing

Begin your adventure as you fly into China’s colorful capital, Beijing. The massive city is centered around what was once a “Forbidden City,” where only the imperial family and their servants were permitted to reside. Check in to your hotel and relax or explore the city a bit.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Wellness Facilities: Wellbeing is at the heart of the Rosewood experience, with restorative amenities including Sense, A Rosewood Spa's six treatment rooms and two spa suites for overnight stays, an indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and fitness studios for workouts and yoga sessions.

Dining Diversity: The Rosewood Beijing boasts six restaurants and lounges, offering a variety of fine dining experiences, from French Bistro casual to authentic Chinese hot pot; and from northern Chinese specialties to Cantonese favorites.

Luxury Touches: All accommodations provide Frette 600 thread-count linens and bespoke Rosewood bathroom amenities by Lorenzo Villoresi, while 24-hour personalized butler service attends to your every need.

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Rosewood Beijing Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

History: Santilun area has a culture of its own, and a long-standing reputation as a hub for Beijing's arts crowd.

Service: Knowledgeable English-speaking hosts are on hand 24/7 to provide assistance or advise travelers about local sites.

Location: Located on Santilun Street adjacent to Santilun Village complex, it's in a great position for experiencing Beijing's bar scene.

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The Opposite House Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

History: First opening its doors in 1989, the Peninsula Beijing has undergone a comprehensive renovation, setting a peerless new standard.

Location: A stone’s throw from the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, the Peninsula is at the heart of Beijing, located among its most iconic landmarks.

Service: Guests can enjoy the quality and attention to detail for which Peninsula is renowned throughout the world.

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The Peninsula Beijing Preferred Hotel
About

The Mandarin Oriental is situated in the heart of Beijing at Qianmen, just south of Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven. While located in a vibrant part of the city complete with nearby retail outlets and restaurants, the hotel's 72 courtyard suites are imbued with a sense of serenity, borrowing design tips from Beijing’s traditional hutong architectural style of courtyard houses connected by narrow lanes and sleepy alleyways.

If our Preferred Hotel is unavailable, this accommodation is a reliable alternative and has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 2

Beijing

There’s plenty to see in Beijing. This is the perfect outlet for seeing what is considered one of the new “seven wonders of the world” - the Great Wall of China. The Summer Palace is one of China’s most stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites. And you of course can’t leave the city without taking a tour of Tiananmen Square.

Beijing
Beijing

Day 3

Lhasa

Fly into Tibet and catch an aerial view of the world’s highest mountain range - the Himalayas. The city sits at 11,450 feet, making it one of the highest cities in the world. Check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day acclimitizing. 

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location:The Shangri-La Lhasa is located in the center of the city, within walking distance to Lhasa’s historic sites.

History:Lhasa is rich with history, and the hotel pays homage to this heritage by promoting local traditions and creating a luxurious environment with traditionally Tibetan appeal.

Service: Guests can enjoy true Tibetan hospitality through various customs in addition to the Shangri-La's world-famous five-star service.

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Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: At just three miles away from the most important Tibetan structure in the world, the location of the Songtsam Linka Lhasa is hard to beat.

Style: The hotel’s Thangka paintings and wall tapestries produce an environment reminiscent of how noble Tibetan families lived centuries ago.

Comfort: The inviting beds and sitting rooms are a perfect place to unwind and refresh after long days spent exploring the cultural and natural wonders of Lhasa.

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Songtsam Linka Lhasa Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: This hotel is located in the famed Barkhor area, surrounded by stunning landscapes, and nearly 4,000 meters above sea level - among the highest city altitudes in the world.

History: Lhasa has a rich and colorful history that dates back over a millenium, and the St. Regis Lhasa faces one of the most important historical sites in the city - the once chief residence of the Dalai Lama.

Service: Guests can benefit from 24 hour bespoke butler service so that they need not lift a finger.

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St. Regis Lhasa Preferred Hotel

Day 4

Lhasa

Start your day by touring the ancient city and learning about Tibetan culture. The Potala Palace was once the winter residence of the Dalai Lama and is now a culture and art Mecca. Haggle for the best bargains and authentic Tibetan goods at Barkhor Square. If you are looking to bring home an incredible silk painting, Thangka Silk Painting can teach you to create your own masterpiece. Once you’re exhausted from enjoying Lhasa’s delights, return to your hotel to relax.

Day 5

Lhasa

Spend another full day exploring Lhasa. You will have plenty of time to see the sites you didn’t squeeze in the first day. Make sure to visit the country’s holiest temple - the Jokhang Temple. The Sera and Drepung Monasteries offer a beautiful peek into a quiet, spiritual way of life. Exploring Norbulingka Park is the perfect way to end your day.

Lhasa
Lhasa

Day 6

Kathmandu

Fly into Kathmandu, Nepal’s nature-rich capital. The city sprawls across the foothills of the base of four major mountains - Shivapuri, Phulchowki, Nagarjun and Chandragiri. The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure, whether at the hotel or wander around town on your own. 

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Dwarika's Hotel, Kathmandu, one of Kathmandu, Nepal’s most stunning pieces of architecture, sits within walking distance of the famous Pashupatinath temple, while also being just a short drive away from the airport.

History: The hotel hosts an impressive array of artifacts dating back as far back as the 13th century. The area itself is also teeming with ancient culture, with an impressive history that spans two millennia.

Service: Guests will love the warmth of traditional Nepalese hospitality for which this hotel is widely-praised.

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Dwarika's Hotel, Kathmandu Preferred Hotel

Day 7

Kathmandu

Spend the day exploring the city. The Old Quarter’s narrow alleyways are filled with fascinating markets and make for an exciting wander. Discover the Swayambhunath Stupa, more famously known as the Monkey Temple. This complex of monasteries of all faiths dates back to 460 A.D. There are helicopter rides available for an incredible tour of the daunting Mt Everest.

Day 8

Pokhara

Travel to the second-largest city in Nepal - Pokhara. Here, you will find a diversity of wildlife and climate, the subtropical forests stretching up to mountains that sit 24,246 feet above sea level. Check in to your lodge and enjoy the views and mountain air. 

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Located on top of a majestic mountain in one of Nepal’s most stunning regions, with the Himalayas as a backdrop, this area offers views of a lifetime in a setting that is the stuff of dreams.

History: The area was only accessible by foot until the first road was built in 1968 when a highway was constructed, tourism grew rapidly shortly after the opening. The region is homed to three out of ten of the worlds tallest mountains meaning its is a haven for mountain trekkers and adventures alike.

Service: If guests are looking for a little bit of an extra special touch perhaps they will look to some dining within the comforts of their lodge, as you wait on server brings the finest nepalese dishes to your veranda simply relax and take in the natural beauty of Nepal.

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Tiger Mountain Lodge Preferred Hotel
About

Begnas Lake Resort is situated on the southern bank of Begnas Lake, famous for its clear fresh waters and lush surroundings. The resort boasts 37 guest rooms, unbeatable views of the waterfront and mighty snow-dipped Himalayan peaks as well as an outdoor pool, steam room, spa, restaurant, poolside bar and lounge bar.

If our Preferred Hotel is unavailable, this accommodation is a reliable alternative and has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Pokhara
Pokhara

Day 9

Pokhara

While the Annapurna Circuit is famous for its 21-23 day walk, it’s easy to take a shorter trek as well to check out the magnificent natural surroundings. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a paragliding, riverrafting, cycling, caving or zipline excursion. Return to your lodging to relax that evening.

Day 10

Chitwan National Park

Enjoy a landscape of rivers, trees and animals thriving as you travel to Chitwan National Park. The National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the endangered populations of the one-horned Rhinoceros and the Bengal Tiger. 

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Set on the banks of the Rapti River, the Taj Meghauli Serai offers beautiful, dramatic landscapes and some of the best wildlife-viewing opportunities in the world, making it a highly sought-after destination.

Service: Taj Safaris is renowned for offering their guests unique wildlife experiences coupled with outstanding personalized service, creating the feeling of living in nature’s lap.

History: Established back in 1973, Chitwan National Park was Nepal’s first national park and - thanks to its rich array of flora and fauna and the opportunity to see rare animals - it was granted the status of World Heritage Site 11 years later.

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Taj Meghauli Serai Preferred Hotel

Day 11

Chitwan National Park

It’s a day for adventure. Go on a walking wildlife safari to see the many species of the area. The Elephant Breeding Center is the perfect spot to see elephant babies and their mothers living their everyday lives. The Tharu Cultural Museum and Research Center can show you the culture and customs of the vibrant Tharu people.

Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park

Day 12

Kathmandu

Return to Kathmandu before moving onto Thimphu. Try one of the many street markets for fresh, hot and delicious Nepalese cuisine. The curries are distinct from the rest of Asia. Check in to your hotel and relax for the evening with a picturesque view of the Himalayas.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Dwarika's Hotel, Kathmandu, one of Kathmandu, Nepal’s most stunning pieces of architecture, sits within walking distance of the famous Pashupatinath temple, while also being just a short drive away from the airport.

History: The hotel hosts an impressive array of artifacts dating back as far back as the 13th century. The area itself is also teeming with ancient culture, with an impressive history that spans two millennia.

Service: Guests will love the warmth of traditional Nepalese hospitality for which this hotel is widely-praised.

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Dwarika's Hotel, Kathmandu Preferred Hotel

Day 13

Thimphu

Travel to evocative Bhutan, an ancient country full of wonder. Thimphu sits at 7,500 feet above sea level and has been the capital since 1961. It’s best explored by foot or bicycle and has very little traffic. It is the only capital city in the world without traffic lights. 

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Tranquility: The resort has a relaxed pace of life, residing in a pine forest in the upper Thimphu Valley away from the lively Bhutanese capital.

Location: The resort is an ideal retreat from the capital city of Thimphu, yet within easy reach to the city’s main attractions.

Library: In the evenings guests may get cozy with a hot drink or glass of wine in the on-site library which boasts a collection of literature on Bhutanese culture and art.

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Amankora Thimphu Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Secluded between apple orchards and young pine forest, Six Senses Thimphu is a "Palace in the Sky," perched 2,650 meters up in the hillside. From here, you can peer down at Thimphu Valley and across to the giant Buddha, but you're still close to all of the capital's main attractions.

Sustainability: Fitting with the other Six Senses' Bhutan properties and Bhutan's reputation as the world's only carbon-negative country, Six Senses Thimphu aims to have a low impact on the environment and wildlife, and a positive impact on the local community.

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Six Senses Thimphu Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: An ideal base from which to explore the hustle and bustle of the Kingdom’s capital city.

Size: The Taj Tashi is one of the largest and most impressive buildings in the country.

Facilities: The hotel has a wide range of world-class facilities, including restaurants, bars, a spa, swimming pool, fitness center and Jacuzzi.

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Taj Tashi Preferred Hotel

Day 14

Thimphu

Familiarize yourself with Bhutan’s stunning nature as you visit the Royal Botanical Garden - there are 369 different species of orchids in the gardens. Practice your bow and arrow skills with a private lesson in archery, Bhutan’s national sport. Visiting the Cheri Monastery is a wonderful way to see Bhutan’s spiritual culture.

Thimphu
Thimphu

Day 15

Gangtey

Travel to tranquility upon reaching Gangtey, Bhutan. This peaceful monastery town is bursting with wildlife. Tucked into a glacial valley in the middle of the country, this is a blissful, serene spot. 

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: The hotel is situated in one of Bhutan’s most significant nature reserves, famous for endangered Black Neck Cranes.

Activities: Nature lovers will enjoy the treks and walks on the hotel’s doorstep through forests, mountains, the rural settlement of Gangtey and traditional farmlands.

Views: From the cozy suites decorated with wooden paneling and Bhutanese paintings, guests may look out onto the stunning glacial valley.

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Amankora Gangtey Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

A Birdwatcher’s Natural Paradise: The lodge’s strategic position showcases the Phobjikha Valley in all its beauty. This quaint, charming area in central Bhutan is the winter residence of the spiritual black-necked cranes that arrive from Tibet each October. Be front-and-center for their arrival, and wander the countryside on foot or with a guide to learn more about this unique natural sanctuary.

Bhutanese Hospitality and Happiness: The community- and sustainability-oriented Six Senses had a good reason to open, not just one, but five luxury accommodations in Bhutan; a nation guided by the principles of Gross National Happiness. Y

Wellness at its Best: Swedana treatments, a pyramid meditation room and breathtaking 180-degree views of the Phobjikha Valley combine with the pioneering wellness approach woven into the fabric of every Six Senses property.

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Six Senses Gangtey Preferred Hotel
About

Gangtey Lodge Bhutan offers unique and luxurious farmhouse experience in the Gangtey Valley. The Lodge draws upon the inspiration of the unique and beautiful Bhutanese rural architecture down to the very last detail.

If our Preferred Hotel is unavailable, this accommodation is a reliable alternative and has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 16

Gangtey

Strike out into nature as you explore the area. Lawala Pass is a beautiful half-day hike. Be sure to visit the Gangtey Monastery and the Black-Necked Crane Center. Master making delicious yak dumplings when taking a Bhutanese cooking class.

Day 17

Punakha

Drop in elevation as you travel to Punakha - the town sits at 4,100 feet above sea level. The area feeds much of the country as its the main rice producer with a river running through its plains. 

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Exclusivity: The hotel has just eight suites making the hotel intimate, welcoming and private.

History: The hotel is housed in a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse built as a home by the Royal Bhutanese Queen to oversee the local farmland.

Spa: The resort's indulgent spa looks over rice fields and comprises a meditation room, private treatment rooms and a steam room and changing area.

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Amankora Punakha Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Views: Every room at Uma Punakha overlooks attractive views of the winding Mo Chu River.

Nature: The resort is located in the pristine Punakha Valley, surrounded by orchards and rice fields.

Accommodation: The resort has just nine deluxe rooms and two villas for privacy and ultimate luxury.

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COMO Uma Bhutan Punakha Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Set at a lower altitude and with warmer temperatures, Phunakha is a favorite winter destination for local Bhutanese. Blending seamlessly into emerald steps of crop fields, this lodge is a "flying farmhouse" providing a rustic, yet luxurious, stay.

Sustainability: All of Six Senses' Bhutan properties are focused on low impact on the environment and wildlife, and a positive impact on the local community; echoing the values of Bhutan, which is the world's only carbon-negative country.

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Six Senses Punakha Preferred Hotel
Punakha
Punakha

Day 18

Punakha

Punakha is home to the grand Punakha Dzong, considered to be one of the most beautiful Dzongs in the country. The Chimi Lhakhang Temple is dedicated to a “Divine Madman,” who is rumored to have tamed a female demon with his “thunderbolt.” Enjoy a local farmhouse lunch and chat with a local family, they will even show you how to cook a few dishes. There’s whitewater rafting for those adventurous travelers as well.

Day 19

Paro

A small village nestled in the Paro valley is your next stop. Paro is home to some of Bhutan’s most beloved historical sites. There’s also expert hiking in the area. 

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Spa: The Aman spa contains private saunas, steam rooms, a yoga studio and private treatment rooms with showers and outdoor stone baths.

Accommodation: The hotel has just 24 select suites featuring traditional Bhutanese wood-burning stoves and generous terrazzo-clad baths.

Location: The resort overlooks a 17th century Drukyel Dzong and snow-capped Mt. Jumolhari.

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Amankora Paro Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: The resort is located in the beautiful natural wilderness of the Paro Valley, local activities include camping, trekking, walking, biking and trips to local festivals, monasteries, markets and museums.

Cuisine: Guests may choose from authentic Bhutanese or Indian food cooked in a charcoal tandoor oven.

Peace: The resort hosts yoga courses throughout the year and the spa offers Ayurvedic treatments from trained therapists.

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COMO Uma Bhutan Paro Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Forest-covered mountains, tiny villages and terraced crop fields, valley rivers and rich history. One of the most scenic locations in Bhutan, Six Senses Paro is perched at an altitude of 2,250 meters, putting the spotlight on its epic views.

Sustainability: Six Senses Paro is committed to low impact on the environment and wildlife, and a positive impact on the local community - befitting Bhutan, the world's only carbon-negative country.

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Six Senses Paro Preferred Hotel

Day 20

Paro

Take a page out of history as you tour the National Museum of Bhutan. This is the place in Bhutan to see the country’s Buddhist history. Take a stroll through the Paro Dzong, more famously known as the “Fortress of the Heap of Jewels.” The day isn’t complete until you’ve visited the Tiger’s Nest Monastery and experienced a Himalayan Singing Bowl Meditation.

Paro
Paro

Day 21

New Delhi

Fly to New Delhi for a day in India before your departure homeward. This is one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities. Take a tour through the fascinating city’s Houses of Worship or the Contemporary Art Tour for an insightful peek into an ancient culture.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Stunning Décor: The rooms and suites are painstakingly decorated to stunning effect, with elements spanning from handcrafted tapestries to the Presidential Suite’s gold leaf ceilings.

Accommodations: Even the smallest guestrooms at The Leela New Delhi are larger than the rooms at all other hotels throughout the capital, not to mention The Leela’s 4,800 square foot Presidential Suite.

Service: No problem is too small for the hotel’s lauded, professional butler service, available 24-hours a day.

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The Leela Palace Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: With stunning views of Delhi Golf Course and Humayun’s Tomb, a World Heritage Site, this hotel is located within lush vegetation in the heart of New Delhi.

History: The capital’s first luxury hotel, this hotel opened in 1965 and has been an iconic landmark ever since.

Service: From dining to the world-class spa to organizing unique tours and excursions, the dedicated staff at the hotel cater to every guest’s needs. For more discerning business travelers, there is an extra level of service offered in Business Travel Plus.

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The Oberoi, New Delhi Preferred Hotel

Day 22

Departure

After a full three weeks spent among the picturesque Himalayan range, it’s time for your journey to end. Take one last stroll through the streets of New Delhi and pack up your belongings. You’ll be transfered to the airport, where you’ll check into your onward flight home.

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

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