Tibet/Nepal/Bhutan/Thailand
The Best of the Mountain Kingdoms: Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan
Program No. 21103RJ
Sacred temples, hidden monasteries, magnificent palaces and ancient cities — learn about these and other enduring cultural treasures from the people who call the Himalayas their home.
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DATES
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PRICES
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Apr 4 - Apr 24, 2025
Starting at
10,629Apr 18 - May 8, 2025
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10,629May 2 - May 22, 2025
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10,629May 16 - Jun 5, 2025
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10,629Aug 29 - Sep 18, 2025
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10,629Sep 12 - Oct 2, 2025
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10,629Sep 26 - Oct 16, 2025
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10,629Oct 3 - Oct 23, 2025
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10,629Oct 10 - Oct 30, 2025
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10,629Oct 17 - Nov 6, 2025
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10,629Oct 24 - Nov 13, 2025
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21 days
20 nights
51 meals
18B 17L 16D
1
Depart for China
In Flight
2
In Flight
In Flight
14
Patan Square, Free Afternoon
Kathmandu
15
Fly to Paro, Drive to Thimphu
Thimphu
21
In Transit from Program
In Flight
At a Glance
Colorful prayer flags flutter in the breeze. Mountain peaks seem to pierce the heavens. And rugged but friendly people are ready to welcome you with a warm cup of butter tea. Journey amongst majestic mountains and experience the unique cultures of three lands of the Himalayas: Tibet, the “roof of the world”; Nepal, home to Mount Everest, the world’s tallest mountain; and Bhutan with its verdant valleys and “Gross National Happiness” philosophy.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Walking 1-2 miles on varied terrain most days with one longer hike. Elevations up to 12,000 feet.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Journey to Tibetan grasslands, a remote village in Bhutan and a tiny monastery tucked away in the midst of the incredible Himalayas.
- Discover the sacred and beautiful Hindu and Buddhist temples of the Kathmandu Valley.
- Learn about Bhutan's Gross National Happiness philosophy.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Zhao Dengrui
For emergencies, while on program in China and Tibet please contact the Group Leader first, then Zhao Dengrui our site coordinator in China.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Zhao Dengrui
View biography
For emergencies, while on program in China and Tibet please contact the Group Leader first, then Zhao Dengrui our site coordinator in China.
Bridge to Bhutan
View biography
Bridge To Bhutan is our Road Scholar vendor for tour operations in Bhutan.
Temple Tiger
View biography
Temple Tiger / Venture Travel is Road Scholar's Site Coordinator in Nepal. For emergencies, once in Nepal, please contact our local partner Rita Pradhan on the numbers shown.
If dialing from a local number or with a SIM card, dial as below:
(0) 1 980 236 0042
(0) 1 532 1585
(0) 1 985 113 9310
Suggested Reading List
(20 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
The Best of the Mountain Kingdoms: Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan
Program Number: 21103
Altitude Illness: Prevention and Treatment, How to Stay Healthy at Altitude
Bezruchka, a mountaineer and M.D., includes case studies, frequently asked questions and simple methods of diagnosis and treatment in this indispensable pocket guide.
The Circle of Karma, A Novel
The first novel by a Bhutanese woman, this lyrical coming-of-age story explores the rituals of daily life in Bhutan. When Tsomo's mother suddenly dies, the young girl must travel alone across Bhutan and into India.
The Folded Earth
Tiger man Jim Corbett, Edwina Mountbatten and Jawaharlal Nehru all make a cameo appearance in Anuradha Roy's second novel, marvelously populated with a host of characters and beautifully set in Ranikhet, a hill station in the foothills of the Himalayas, where the author makes her home part of the year.
My Journey to Lhasa
Dressed as a humble pilgrim and traveling under the cover of night, the indomitable 55-year-old David-Neel and her young companion climbed mountains and tricked soldiers to ultimately reach Tibet's forbidden capital. Originally published in 1923, her account stands as a riveting portrait of early 20th-century Tibet.
What Makes You Not a Buddhist
Born in Bhutan in 1961, a Tibetan lama and filmmaker (Travellers and Magicians), Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche gives a decidedly modern take on dharma, happiness, suffering and enlightenment in this engaging primer.
Lonely Planet Bangkok Encounter
With a section of not-to-be-missed highlights, pullout map, and a calendar of annual events.
Bangkok 8, A Novel
Burdett explores the criminal underworld of Bangkok -- and mysterious deaths by snakebite.
Radio Shangri-La
Napoli's memoir of her time working on a fledgling Bhutanese radion station. She writes with frankness and clarity about the contradictions, poverty and reality of much mythologized Bhutan.
Essential Tibetan Buddhism
The foremost Western scholar of Tibetan Buddhism, Thurman has chosen well from that tradition's sacred literature and helpfully includes suggested further reading, explanatory notes and a directory of sacred sites.
Buddha's Orphans
This novel by Samrat Upadhyay (Arresting God in Kathmandu) sets Nepal’s political upheaval as a backdrop to the love story of Raja, an orphan boy, and Nilu, a daughter of privilege. Their story transports readers across generations and explores family connections.
Bhutan, The Land of Serenity
A Buddhist monk, photographer, and French interpreter for the Dalai Lama, Ricard draws on his time in Bhutan over the last 25 years for this intimate portrait. With illuminating chapters on the remarkable Khyentse Rinpoche, sacred art, architecture, dancing monks and ceremonies.
To a Mountain in Tibet
The intrepid, soulful Colin Thubron journeys from Nepal to Kailas, the revered mountain, "source of the universe, created from cosmic waters and the mind of Brahma" in his most revealing book yet. A New York Times Notable Book and Longitude favorite of 2011.
The Soul of the Rhino
Mishra writes of his long career in conservation and particularly his work with the endangered Asian rhino at Royal Chitwan in this absorbing memoir, marvelously subtitled A Nepali Adventure With Kings and Elephant Drivers, Billionaires and Bureaucrats, Shamans and Scientists.
Photographic Guide to Birds of the Himalayas
A pocket guide to 250 birds found from the foothills up to high elevations ranging from the Hindu Kush and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh in the Eastern Himalayas. With brief descriptive information, maps and 260 full-color illustrations.
Fortress Monasteries of the Himalayas
This slim book recreates the dramatic and colorful fortifications of Tibet, Ladakh, Nepal and Bhutan, recounting their history through foreign incursions, religious conflicts and civil wars to the Tibetan uprising and flight of the Dalai Lama from Potala Palace in 1959.
The Snow Leopard
The most perceptive, acutely observed and personal of all his books, Matthiessen's account of a five-week journey through Nepal with naturalist George Schaller combines their quest for the elusive cat with a moving introduction to Buddhism and the people and culture of the Himalayas.
So Close to Heaven, The Vanishing Buddhist Kingdoms of the Himalayas
Asia correspondent for the New York Times, Crossette portrays Bhutan and neighboring Ladakh and Sikkim as strongholds of Tantric Buddhism in an increasingly homogenized world.
The Skull Mantra
The first in Pattison's series of superb political thrillers set in Tibet. When a headless corpse turns up on a Tibetan mountainside, veteran police inspector Shan Tao Yun is released from prison to investigate the crime, and he quickly uncovers a conspiracy involving American mining interests, corrupt Party officials and Tibetan sorcerers.
Himalaya Map
A colorful regional map of the Himalayas at a scale of 1:1,500,000, including Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet and Sikkim.
The Blessings of Bhutan
Head-over-heels in love with Bhutan, the Carpenters introduce their adopted home, its people, customs, religion and history.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
21 days
20 nights
What's Included
51 meals (
18B, 17L, 16D
)
10 expert-led lectures
30 expert-led field trips
5 flights during the program
2 hands-on experiences
2 performances
An experienced Group Leader
18 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Depart for China
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
In Flight
Location:
In Flight
Day
3
Arrive Beijing, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Beijing
Meals:
D
Stay:
Qianmen Jianguo Hotel
Activity Note
Afternoon arrival in Beijing. The stopover in Beijing for two nights is required to give the group a chance to rest and for us to receive our Tibet permit before early morning flights to Lhasa. The Tibet Group Entry Permit has been pre-arranged and will be discussed at the Orientation.
Afternoon:
We depart Beijing airport and coach directly to our hotel for check-in and a brief rest in our rooms. Before dinner, we will join our Group Leader for the program orientation. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Following orientation, we will have dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Dinner:
At an authentic Chinese restaurant, we enjoy a family-style welcome dinner plus tea, water, soft drinks and beer; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Old Beijing Hutongs, Summer Palace
Location:
Beijing
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Qianmen Jianguo Hotel
Activity Note
Optional taiji session before breakfast with Group Leader, approximately ½ hour; no special clothes or shoes required. Ride to Beijing hutongs: ½ hour. Walking at a leisurely pace through hutongs, about 2 hours. Walking about 1 mile in the Summer Palace on flat, paved terrain.
Breakfast:
Buffet at the hotel, with coffee, water and tea.
Morning:
After breakfast, we will board a motorcoach for a field trip to Old Beijing hutongs near Beihai Park. These old residential neighborhoods with courtyard homes are situated in small lanes and narrow alleys (hutongs) and are rapidly disappearing due to urban development. We will explore the neighborhood on foot and have an opportunity to visit families in their homes. Close to Beihai’s lake lies the former residence of Song Qing Ling which we will visit. Song (her surname) was an influential revolutionary figure in the development of modern China and was the wife of Dr. Sun Yat Sen, revered as the first president of the Republic of China. The residence, in which Song lived from 1963 until her death in 1981, is now a museum which preserves her living quarters, her office, and the surrounding peaceful gardens which were once part of a prince’s estate. A separate Hall includes exhibits highlighting Song’s work and life.
Lunch:
In an “Old Beijing” hutong, we’ll have a family-hosted meal including jaozi (Chinese style dumplings pronounced “djow-zuh”).
Afternoon:
We explore the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an exquisite example of imperial garden design. Its pavilions, reception halls, and living quarters overlooking lily ponds, lakes, and arching bridges once comprised the summer retreat of Qing Emperors.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant, we enjoy a family-style meal plus tea, water and soft drinks; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
Your group leader will discuss altitude precautions. In Tibet, with an elevation of around 12,000 feet, you might feel shortness of breath and an increased pulse rate. Headache, tiredness, nausea, and loss of appetite are standard symptoms. Be sure to drink lots of water, rest, and avoid alcohol. If you continue to feel weak, faint, or have any symptoms that concern you, talk to your Group Leader who is very experienced in dealing with altitude in Tibet. The rest of the evening is at your leisure. Pack and prepare for tomorrow's flight to Tibet.
Day
5
Fly to Tibet, Lhasa, Norbulingka
Location:
Lhasa
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Kyichu Hotel Lhasa
Activity Note
The flight from Beijing to Lhasa is approximately 4.5 hours. Although Tibet uses Beijing time, it is actually about 2 hours later than Beijing. Our itinerary adjusts for this difference. Once landed in Tibet, the drive from the airport to the Lhasa program hotel is 40 miles. Motorcoach drive to Norbulingka is 15 minutes from the hotel and once there, walking mainly on flat ground with no stairs; walking up to 1/2 mile.
Breakfast:
If the group flight to Lhasa is in the early morning, we will take a box breakfast to the airport. If the group flight to Lhasa is mid-morning, we will enjoy a breakfast buffet at the hotel, with coffee, water and tea; additional beverages available for purchase.
Morning:
We will depart for the airport for our flight to Lhasa, the ancient capital of Tibet.
Lunch:
If the group flight is early morning, we will have a family-style buffet lunch upon arrival at the hotel in Lhasa, with tea, water and soft drinks included; additional beverages available for purchase. If a mid-morning flight, a light lunch will be served in flight.
Afternoon:
We will arrive at the “rooftop of the world” and transfer to our program hotel in Lhasa. We will be welcomed with a traditional Tibetan ceremony. Later, we depart by motorcoach for Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama, which contains his residential quarters.
Dinner:
At the hotel, enjoy a family-style meal plus tea, water and soft drinks; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
6
Jokhang Temple, Bokhor Bazaar, Tibetan Medicine
Location:
Lhasa
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Kyichu Hotel Lhasa
Activity Note
Walking up to 1/2 mile at Jokhang Temple, mostly indoor; 20-30 steps to the second floor by regular steps with railings (people may choose not to climb up). There are places to sit. Walking up to 1/4 mile from restaurant at lunch to the Tibetan Medicine Hospital. Lecture will be on the third floor, stairs with railings.
Breakfast:
At the hotel, enjoy a breakfast buffet, plus coffee, tea and water; other beverages available for purchase.
Morning:
We explore the heart of Lhasa by motorcoach, first visiting Jokhang Temple, built in the 7th century. This is the most revered temple in Tibet, and the destination of pilgrims who journey by any means, even on foot, to worship here. Surrounding the temple, the Bokhor Bazaar offers an exciting array of Tibetan goods both old and new: tools, cloth, thangkas, jewelry and yak hides.
Lunch:
At a restaurant overlooking the bazaar, enjoy a family-style lunch featuring Tibetan and international cuisine, plus tea, water and soft drinks; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will walk to the nearby traditional Tibetan Medicine Hospital for an introductory talk from a local doctor, who explains the precepts of Tibetan medicine and treatments, as we enjoy the hospital's colorful array of medical thangkas. After the lecture, we will walk back to the hotel through interesting alleys, where local people live and run small businesses.
Dinner:
Family-style hotel meal.
Evening:
We join an informal discussion on Tibetan culture and religion with our local Tibetan guide.
Day
7
Tibetan Village, Nunnery Visit
Location:
Lhasa
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Kyichu Hotel Lhasa
Activity Note
Before breakfast, we will meet in the hotel courtyard to learn gorshay, an exuberant circle dance. The drive to the countryside today is about 75 miles, approximately 1½ hours. Approximately 20 steps up nunnery to gain access.
Breakfast:
Hotel breakfast buffet.
Morning:
After breakfast, board our private motorcoach and head out into the countryside beyond Lhasa to grasslands where pastoral families raise yak, sheep, goats, and horses. During grazing season, we will visit with pastoral nomadic families. In a nearby small village, we will learn about and observe rural life.
Lunch:
At an outdoor spot, enjoy a varied picnic buffet prepared by our hotel, which includes soup, salads, rice, vegetables and other dishes. Dine at a portable table and chairs arranged for our al fresco lunch in the Tibetan countryside.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we drive to a nearby herdsmen's village to learn firsthand about their daily life in rural Tibet. Following our visit, we take a short walk to a modest nunnery where we may encounter its residents chanting or studying scripture. The nuns are welcoming and enjoy sharing the precepts of their life and Tibetan Buddhism.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is at own arrangements to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
8
Potala Palace, Thangka Painting, Sera Monastery
Location:
Lhasa
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Kyichu Hotel Lhasa
Activity Note
The palace has 458 steps up and down. Walking shoes are necessary and walking sticks might be helpful. Sera Monastery is 2 miles away from city center and up to 1 mile of walking. The climb up to Potala Palace is a one-way trip; the entrance is in the front and the exit is in the back. Our Group Leader will set a final meeting time and place. If some of our group decide to go halfway or walk around at the base of the palace on their own, they can meet our group at the designated meeting place.
Breakfast:
Hotel breakfast buffet.
Morning:
This morning, we take a short motorcoach ride to explore the Potala Palace, seat of the Dalai Lama and one of the most awe-inspiring princely residences and palaces in the world. Our local Tibetan expert will lead those who want to climb. The Group Leader will take those who do not wish to climb for a walk at the base of the palace, where there is a nice park.
Lunch:
At a Tibetan restaurant, featuring Lhasa cuisine, enjoy a family-style meal, with water, tea and soft drinks included; additional beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we depart by motorcoach to an artist’s studio to learn about painting traditional thangkas, or religious scrolls, through a talk and demonstration from a master of the craft. Afterwards, we may choose to return to the hotel by motorcoach or continue to the edge of town to Sera Monastery, one of Tibet's three great monasteries and famed for the debating style of its resident monks. The motorcoach will return to the monastery for those who choose to visit.
Dinner:
Family-style hotel meal.
Evening:
At the hotel, we will enjoy a private farewell party featuring Tibetan dance and singing. Prepare for departure and flight to Chengdu in the morning.
Day
9
Fly to Chengdu, Panda Research and Breeding Base
Location:
Chengdu
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Chengdu Panda Garden Hotel
Activity Note
The motorcoach transfer from Lhasa to the airport is approximately 1 hour. The flight from Lhasa to Chengdu is approximately 2.5 hours. Once our flight arrives in Chengdu, a private bus will transfer us to the Chengdu Giant Panda Research and Breeding Base, about one hour from the airport and not far from Chengdu city.
Breakfast:
Hotel breakfast buffet.
Morning:
We take an early morning flight to the city of Chengdu, the fourth most populous city in China. Located in Sichuan Province, it is known in China for its lovely tea gardens and world-wide as the home of the Giant Panda.
Lunch:
En route.
Afternoon:
At the Chengdu Panda Research and Breeding Base, a film and talk by an expert will inform us about the lives of Giant Pandas and the efforts being made to save this unique and endangered species. Then, led by a local expert, we will walk the grounds to observe baby and adult Giant Pandas, as well as “red pandas,” in a naturalized environment. We then return to our hotel for a brief rest before dinner, which will be at a nearby restaurant.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for departure and flight to Kathmandu in the morning.
Day
10
Fly to Kathmandu, Transfer to Bhaktapur and Dhulikel
Location:
Dhulikhel
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Dhulikhel Mountain Resort
Activity Note
Chengdu International Airport is about 10 miles from Chengdu city center. The flight from Chengdu to Kathmandu is approximately 3.5 hours. Once our flight arrives in Kathmandu, a private bus will transfer our group 10 miles to Bhaktapur. After lunch, the drive to Dhulikel is 20 miles from Bhaktapur.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. Buffet.
Morning:
We coach to Chengdu International Airport, where we take an international flight direct to Kathmandu, Nepal. En route to the airport, our Group Leader will discuss our flight to Kathmandu and go over the steps to obtain a visa on arrival in Nepal. At the airport, we say farewell to our Chinese Group Leader. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we will be met in the main arrivals hall by our Nepalese Group Leader, holding a 'Road Scholar' sign. We board a private motorcoach and transfer to Bhaktapur for lunch at a local restaurant.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant. Plated and served meal. Coffee, tea and water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
We walk around Bhaktapur with our Group Leader and explore what was, until the late 15th century, the capital of Nepal. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich culture and temples as well as its wood, metal and stone artwork. We continue to Dhulikhel and check in to our hotel. Dhulikhel was once a main trading hub between Kathmandu, Tibet and India. Historically. Dhulikhel is a Newar settlement. The Newar is one of the major ethnic tribes in the Kathmandu valley, as well as one of the oldest, with a culture strongly based on religion and festivals. We have some time to rest at our hotel before dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel. Coffee, tea and water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
11
Himalayan Sunrise and Hike, Dhulikhel, School Visit
Location:
Dhulikhel
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Dhulikhel Mountain Resort
Activity Note
Our morning hike is 1½ hours over uneven terrain. Walking shoes are necessary; walking sticks might be helpful. The walk around Dhulikhel is less than ½ mile on paved roads with occasional uphill and downhill sections.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. Buffet. Coffee, tea and water included.
Morning:
For those interested, waking up early rewards us with an incredible view of sunrise over the Himalayas. After breakfast, we take a short hike in the hills around Dhulikhel to traditional Brahmin and Tamang villages. We enjoy stunning views of the Panchkhal Valley landscape and the Himalayas to the north. The Tamang villagers still closely follow their traditional lifestyles and beliefs. When we return to the hotel, our Group Leader delivers a presentation on Nepalese culture. After the presentation we transfer by motorcoach to the old town of Dhulikhel. Here, we explore the cobblestone alleys, taking in the wood carvings, temples and markets.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant. Buffet. Coffee, tea and water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
This afternoon we walk to a local school and learn a little bit about the Nepalese educational system (subject to school holiday and exam schedules).
Dinner:
At the hotel. Buffet.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
12
Durbar Square, Swoyambhunath Stupa, Tea with Students
Location:
Kathmandu
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
The Soaltee Kathmandu
Activity Note
The motorcoach transfer to Kathmandu is approximately 20 miles/45 minutes. In Kathmandu’s Durbar Square, walking up to 1 mile on mainly flat surfaces; standing up to 2 hours indoors and out. At Swoyambhunath Stupa there are around 130 steps.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. Buffet.
Morning:
We check out of the hotel and transfer by motorcoach to Kathmandu. Here we explore Durbar Square. Highlights of the Square include the Taleju Temple, built by King Mahendra Malla in A.D. 1549; the Temple of KalBhairav, the god of destruction; Nautalle Durbar; Nasal Chowk; the Gaddi Baithak; the statue of King Pratap Mallal and the Jagannath Temple.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant. Plated and served meal. Coffee, tea and water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
After check-in at our hotel in Kathmandu, we travel by motorcoach to Swayambhunath (also known as the Monkey Temple). This is the oldest Buddhist stupa – a place of meditation – established more than 2,500 years ago and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perched high on a hilltop, it commands a superb view of the entire Kathmandu Valley. Back at the hotel, we will be joined by a local expert for a presentation on contemporary issues in Nepal.
Dinner:
At the hotel. Buffet. Coffee, tea and water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Day
13
Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Free Time
Location:
Kathmandu
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
The Soaltee Kathmandu
Activity Note
Walking is mainly on level ground. In Pashupatinath there may be smoke from cremations. For those participants intending to organise their own Mount Everest scenic flight, before breakfast this morning is the time to take this flight. This optional flight is not included in the program. Please refer to the Free Time section in your First Information Packet.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. Buffet. Coffee, tea and water included.
Morning:
We ride by motorcoach to Pashupatinath, one of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world. During Shivaratri, an annual pilgrimage, thousands of devotees of Lord Shiva from Hindu communities all around the world pay their homage here.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant. Coffee, tea and water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
This afternoon we explore Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in the world. Situated just beyond the Pashupatinath temple, it houses 108 Buddha images and 147 prayer wheel insets. The settlement of Boudhanath is home to a large community of Tibetans. We will have the remainder of the afternoon free to explore.
Dinner:
At own arrangements. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
14
Patan Square, Free Afternoon
Location:
Kathmandu
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
The Soaltee Kathmandu
Activity Note
Walking up to 3 miles, mostly on paved roads with some uneven sections.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. Buffet.
Morning:
We ride by motorcoach to Patan Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of marvelous monuments. The Patan Museum showcases Nepal’s long cultural history and rare objects, most in bronze and copper, still important within the Hindu and Buddhist traditions of the area.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant. Plated and served meal. Coffee, tea and water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
Family-hosted meal. Coffee, tea and bottled water included.
Evening:
During dinner, we will learn about the role of women in Nepal through a local expert's presentation on women's issues. We return to the hotel after dinner for an evening at leisure.
Day
15
Fly to Paro, Drive to Thimphu
Location:
Thimphu
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Pedling
Activity Note
The flight to Paro takes approximately 1 hour. Flight times are based on seasonal schedules and departure times are subject to change. Visas and flights to and from Bhutan are pre-arranged and the schedule and travel documents will be given out in Nepal. Once in Bhutan, the motorcoach transfer from Paro to Thimphu is approximately 43 miles/1½ hours. The elevation over the next 3 days will be around 7,700 feet.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. Buffet.
Morning:
We have a late-morning departure to the airport to board our flight to Bhutan.
Lunch:
At the airport. Light lunch of sandwiches, muffins, fruit, juice, and water.
Afternoon:
We transfer by motorcoach to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. After checking in, we have a brief Bhutan program orientation with our Group Leader.
Dinner:
At the hotel. Buffet. Coffee, tea and water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
16
Bhutanese Culture and Traditions, Political History
Location:
Thimphu
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Pedling
Activity Note
Walking approximately 3 miles today.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. Buffet. Coffee, tea and water included.
Morning:
We are joined at the hotel by an ex-parliamentarian for a talk about Bhutan and its political history. The lecture also gives us an introduction to Bhutan. As many locals do, we then partake of a morning walk. Fifteen minutes from the hotel is the National Memorial Stupa, built in 1974 in memory of the late third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. This is a popular spot among the pious, young and old alike, who make it part of their daily ritual to visit. We continue by motorcoach to the National Institute of Traditional Arts and Crafts. En route, we enjoy a presentation by the Group Leader about this school, where thirteen different forms of Bhutanese traditional Arts and Crafts are taught to young and enthusiastic students. It is the trained students who keep these age-old traditions alive, passing on the valuable ancient knowledge and skills to the next generation of Bhutanese.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant. Buffet. Coffee, tea and water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
We transfer by motorcoach to the National Textile Museum. A brief documentary introduces us to textile weaving in Bhutan. The museum displays will walk us through different styles of Bhutanese weaving. The weaving styles of Bhutan are distinctly recognizable, and weaving is considered a national art form. We return to the hotel for dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel. Buffet.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
17
Gross National Happiness, Tashichho Dzong
Location:
Thimphu
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Pedling
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach for short drives (under an hour); minimal walking.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. Buffet.
Morning:
We will be joined by a senior official from the Office of Gross National Happiness Commission for a discussion on Gross National Happiness. The discussion will touch upon the work of the organization, quantifying Gross National Happiness, and other areas of study. We then take a field trip by motorcoach to the Tashichho Dzong, or fortress, the administrative headquarters of the government of Bhutan. While the northern half of the fortress houses monks, the southern half houses the office of the King, the prime minister's office, the Ministry of Finance, the Home Ministry, and the Office of Gross National Happiness Commission. In the face of increased globalization, there has been a growing need for Bhutan to preserve its culture, including its national language, Dzongkha. The center of these preservation attempts is here at the Dzong.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant. Buffet. Coffee, tea and water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
After lunch, drive to the site of one of the world’s largest sitting Buddhas. It sits on a ridge overlooking the capital city. Once in front of the giant Buddha, a local expert will discuss the origin and details of the project. We return to the hotel for dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel. Buffet.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
18
Archery, Farmers' Market, National Museum in Paro
Location:
Paro
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Tashi Namgay Resort
Activity Note
The drive from Thimphu to Paro is approximately 43 miles/1½ hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. Buffet.
Morning:
We travel by motorcoach to explore the country’s biggest farmers' market, where farmers from the neighboring valleys come to sell their produce. Later, we watch a game of archery, Bhutan’s national game, and hear about its role and significance in the Bhutanese society from our Group Leader.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant. Buffet. Coffee, tea and water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
We transfer by motorcoach to Paro and visit the National Museum. Now housed in an ancient watch tower, the museum gives us greater understanding of Bhutan’s history and culture. After checking in to the hotel, we receive a briefing from our Group Leader about tomorrow’s hike to the Tiger's Nest monastery.
Dinner:
At the hotel. Buffet. Coffee, tea and water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
19
Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery Hike
Location:
Paro
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Tashi Namgay Resort
Activity Note
This is a full-day hike involving steep climbs and drops, with an elevation gain of 1,900 feet in under 3 hours. The hike is strenuous and one must be physically fit to complete it. It is approximately 4 miles/5-7 hours round-trip. There is the option to hike halfway, to a view point that has a café, for those that choose not to climb the entire way.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. Buffet. Coffee, tea and water included.
Morning:
After an early breakfast, we start on our strenuous, but rewarding, hike to view the spectacular and famous Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery. The trail to the monastery climbs through a beautiful pine forest, where many of the trees are festooned with lichens. We walk past an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. We hike at a leisurely pace and those who choose to can stop mid-way at a tea house for rest and refreshment, while waiting for the rest of the group to return.
Lunch:
At a tea house halfway to the Tiger’s Nest. Buffet. Coffee, tea and water included. For any participants that choose to not climb today, lunch will be at the program hotel.
Afternoon:
We continue our hike until the imposing Taktsang Monastery is seemingly within reach. Built in the 1600s, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. It is believed that, in the 8th century, Guru Rimpoche, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, landed here on the back of a flying tigress to subdue a demon. Guru Rimpoche is believed to have meditated here for three months. Over the centuries, numerous Buddhist Masters have meditated here as well. It is considered one of the most sacred places for Buddhists. After our long hike, we return to the hotel for dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel. Buffet.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
20
Fly to Bangkok, Forced Overnight
Location:
Bangkok
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Amaranth Suvarnabhumi Airport
Activity Note
Flights from Bhutan to Thailand may be morning or afternoon depending on the variable seasonal schedule. The flight duration is 3-4 hours and flight schedules are subject to change. We have an overnight stop in Bangkok at an airport hotel prior to departing for North America. There is no programming content in Bangkok.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. Buffet. Coffee, tea and water included.
Morning:
We transfer to Paro airport by motorcoach for our flight to Bangkok.
Lunch:
Light lunch on the flight.
Afternoon:
Upon arrival in Bangkok, we check in to our airport hotel. This is a forced overnight stay in Bangkok before our flights home tomorrow. There is no programming in Bangkok. We come together for our Farewell Dinner this evening.
Dinner:
Farewell Dinner at the hotel with a complimentary 'Farewell to Asia' drink. Buffet sampling Thai, Chinese and Western cuisines. Coffee, tea and bottled water included; additional beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
21
In Transit from Program
Location:
In Flight
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out at 12:00noon.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. Buffet.
Morning:
Our program concludes with departures to the airport. Hotel check-out is 12:00 noon. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook or Instagram page to share photos of your program at facebook.com/rsadventures or instagram.com/rsadventures! Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
51 Meals
18 Breakfasts
17 Lunches
16 Dinners
LODGING
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- Oct 24, 2025 - Nov 13, 2025
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Participant Reviews
Based on 16 Reviews
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It was an amazing trip.
— Review left November 29, 2024
A nice and adventurous trip to the Shangari-La
— Review left November 24, 2024
While excited to be visiting these three enticing Himalayan countries, I was concerned I may not be able to be protected from accidental foodborne nut contamination, to which I am allergic. The tour leaders and food providers were very attentive and kept me safe. This tour provides a rare opportunity to sample three distinct countries who share history, geography, religion and culture but are governed and operate very differently. Wonderful people, art, temples, stupas, mountains and comfortable accommodations await you on this trip, which is just the right length. With transport from U.S. and 5 internal flights, 51 meals, the Bhutan tourism fee and event tickets included, it is a good value.
— Review left November 20, 2024
There should be a way to meet the people in the group before the trip. Your link to group discussions did not work. Group leaders could facilitate that discussion.
— Review left November 10, 2024
Lhasa seemed like a suburb of Beijing. Enjoyed the bustle of multi-ethnic Nepal. Bhutan was the eye-opener--a Buddhist country managing to follow the middle way in a modern world.
— Review left November 8, 2024
Trip was amazing and traveled with great group of people. Guides were good and they didn’t take us to a bunch of tourist markets to see us stuff. Great history lessons and tremendous sites. It’s hard to go to four countries and organize this ( yes a consider Tibet separate country). Thanks Road Scholar
— Review left November 6, 2024
POTALA PALACE AND TIGER'S NEST. A DREAM FULFILLED.
— Review left November 2, 2024
My first trip with Road Scholar - and if I am lucky, healthy and ready there will be more of them to follow!
— Review left October 14, 2024
This was a fabulous trip to a lesser known but beautiful and exotic part of the world. The guides were friendly, competent and very knowledgeable and made the trip a lot of fun as well as educational. A highlight for me was the hike up to the Tiger's Nest temple in Bhutan - a truly inspiring experience. Highly recommend!
— Review left October 12, 2024
The Best of the Mountain Kingdoms: Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan is an outstanding, magical journey to three unique and magnificent locations that most people will never visit, but very well worth seeing.
— Review left October 5, 2024
If you're interested in learning more about Buddhism, its origins and practices, then this program can get you started in a very engaging and spectacular way.
— Review left January 10, 2020
Although this is an energetic, on the move program, there are so many highlights, it's hard choose any one part. I certainly learned a lot about Bhutan and how it tries to achieve Gross National Happiness. This has been a lifelong dream. I only wish I could spend more time there. Nepal and Tibet were also incredible adventures and opportunities to learn about the mountainous Asian world. Such spiritual places which need better understanding and global support!
— Review left November 21, 2019
This was a wonderful trip. The logistics, content, accommodations, food, and guides were excellent and met or exceeded all of our expectations. Our lead guide in China/Tibet, Liu Hao, was professional, organized, and engaging. Our lead guide in Nepal, Bhutan, and Thailand, Avash Shrestha, was outstanding. This was our first experience with Road Scholar, we usually plan our trips ourselves and use local guides on rare occasions. The quality of this tour assures we will use Road Scholar again. We also enjoyed the company and camaraderie of our group - they were smart, friendly, and fun - and made the trip even better.
— Review left November 12, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed my trip and fulfilled a life long dream of visiting the Himalayas. The tour was well planned and executed. I appreciate what Road Scholar has done to make this trip possible.
— Review left October 26, 2019
Trip was wonderful. People in all three countries in all three countries were lovely.
The guides were great! Sanjay Nepal in Nepal, Bhutan, and Thailand seemed to know everything about the whole region and conveyed it all with humor and an appreciation of our needs at all times. His driver Sonam was able to navigate all the roads and helped us on the trails. As a would be scholar myself, having a real scholar, and an impressive one at that was a privilege.
Du Rong (Dory), our guide in Beijing and Tibet was delightful, funny, and very attentive. She made sure that we were always as comfortable as possible, and when one of had a bad fall made sure that person was looked after and would not miss out on the experience. Her Tibetan guide, Nema(?) knew a great deal about the local religion and customs, and good at explaining as was Sanjay in the later countries.
I especially enjoyed the Potala Palace in Tibet and the villagers, the people and sights of Kathmandu and the villagers of the lovely mountain hotel of Dhulikhel, and the the sitting Buddha of Bhutan. But there were other highlights such as the school in Nepal, the palace and temples of Bangkok, the Tantric medicine center, the Jokhang Temple in Tibet, and the temples and art everywhere.
— Review left July 6, 2019
This is a part of the world that needs to be visited. The experience is memorable. there are activities that are out of the norm. Be prepared for a hectic and demanding experience.
— Review left May 7, 2019
