Kingdoms of the Sacred Sky: Nepal, Bhutan & India w/ Airfare
- Sep 14, 2025
- 11 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
From the sacred stupas of Kathmandu to the cliffside monasteries of Bhutan, and onward to the timeless wonders of India, this journey unfolds as a passage through both landscape and spirit. It is a path shaped by prayer flags and palace walls, by mountain stillness and vibrant city life.
Each destination reveals a different rhythm—Nepal’s quiet devotion, Bhutan’s profound serenity, and India’s rich, layered intensity—inviting you not only to witness the world, but to experience it more deeply.
Led by Catherine, this is not just a tour—it is a passage through sacred landscapes, cultural wisdom, and moments of stillness that linger long after the journey ends.
TOUR ROUTE
LAX – Kathmandu – Nagarkot – Namobuddha – Paro (Bhutan) – Thimphu – Punakha – Paro – Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Varanasi (optional extension) – Delhi – LAX
TRAVEL DATE
Mar 14, 2027 – Apr 2, 2027
PRICING
Early Bird: $6,885 (valid until July 31, 2026)
Package Price: $7,285 (after July 31, 2026)
OPTIONAL EXTENSION to VARANASI (BANARAS): $680
Nepal – Where the Earth Meets the Divine
Nepal is a land of deep devotion, ancient rituals, and breathtaking mountain energy. Here, Hinduism and Buddhism coexist in harmony, and every step feels infused with reverence and history.
Highlights
🌺 Boudha Stupa, Kathmandu – One of the world’s largest Buddhist stupas, alive with prayer, chanting, and devotion
🏯 Kathmandu, Patan & Bhaktapur Durbar Squares (UNESCO) – Royal palaces, sacred temples, and exquisite Newari architecture
🐒 Swoyambhunath (Monkey Temple) – Panoramic views and a powerful symbol of harmony between Hinduism and Buddhism
🌄 Nagarkot Sunrise – Golden Himalayan light at dawn, weather permitting
🥾 Hike to Changunarayan Temple (UNESCO) – Scenic village paths leading to Nepal’s oldest Hindu temple
🧘 Namobuddha Monastery & Pilgrimage Site – A peaceful hilltop sanctuary of compassion and reflection
Bhutan – The Last Himalayan Kingdom
Bhutan is a place where happiness is a national philosophy and spirituality shapes everyday life. Untouched, intentional, and deeply peaceful, this kingdom offers a rare glimpse into a world moving at a slower, more mindful pace.
Highlights
🏔️ Scenic Flight into Paro Valley – A quiet, awe-filled arrival as the Himalayas unfold beneath you
🕊️ Thimphu Valley – A capital that feels unhurried, where tradition and daily life move side by side
🙏 Memorial Chorten & Wangditse Temple – Spaces of living prayer, where locals gather in quiet devotion
📜 National Library of Bhutan – Ancient texts carefully preserved, holding centuries of spiritual knowledge
🎨 Institute of Zorig Chusum – Watching tradition passed hand to hand through Bhutan’s 13 sacred arts
🛕 Dochula Pass – 108 chortens rising into mist, where the mountains feel close and still
🌊 Punakha Dzong – Set between two rivers, where architecture and nature exist in perfect balance
🥾 Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten – A steady walk upward, ending in silence and open views across the valley
🌸 Chimi Lhakhang – A place of blessings, where devotion is expressed with both sincerity and lightness
🐅 Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktshang) – Reached step by step, and felt more deeply than it can be described
🕯️ Kyichu Lhakhang – A quiet, enduring presence—one of Bhutan’s oldest sacred spaces
🏛️ Paro Dzong & National Museum – A glimpse into Bhutan’s history, held carefully between past and present
India – The Golden Triangle of Living History
India’s Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur) is a journey through imperial power, timeless devotion, and vibrant living culture. From Mughal masterpieces to Rajput palaces and bustling bazaars, every stop feels layered with history and color.
Highlights
🏛️ Delhi – Old & New Delhi – Moving between narrow lanes and open boulevards, where history and daily life overlap
🕌 Jama Masjid, Delhi – One of India’s grandest mosques, surrounded by the vibrant energy and timeless chaos of Old Delhi
🛺 Chandni Chowk – Rickshaw rides through spice-scented lanes, colorful bazaars, hidden shrines, and centuries of living history
🏰 Red Fort & Humayun’s Tomb – Mughal masterpieces reflecting the power, artistry, and elegance of imperial India
Lotus Temple & Gurudwara Bangla Sahib – Sacred spaces of peace, devotion, and spiritual openness across faiths
🗼 Qutb Minar – A soaring UNESCO monument and one of the earliest architectural wonders of Islamic India
🌅 Taj Mahal, Agra – India’s iconic marble masterpiece, glowing softly at sunrise as a timeless symbol of love
🏰 Agra Fort & 🤍 Itmad-ud-Daulah – Elegant Mughal palaces, gardens, and marble artistry along the Yamuna River
🏛️ Fatehpur Sikri – The hauntingly beautiful abandoned capital of Emperor Akbar, preserved in red sandstone grandeur
Chand Baori – One of India’s most mesmerizing stepwells, descending in perfect geometric symmetry
👑 Jaipur – The Pink City of Rajasthan, filled with royal palaces, vibrant markets, and desert elegance
🏰 Amber Fort – A majestic hilltop fortress of mirrored halls, royal courtyards, and sweeping desert views
🌬️ Hawa Mahal & 🌞 Jantar Mantar – Architectural beauty and astronomical wonder at the heart of Jaipur
🌊 Jal Mahal & 🌈 Patrika Gate – Serene lakeside beauty and vibrant Rajasthani artistry
Optional Extension:Varanasi, India – Where Devotion & Sacred Rituals EndureIndia is a land of extraordinary contrasts—royal palaces beside ancient bazaars, sacred rivers beside bustling cities, and timeless rituals woven into everyday life. From the Mughal grandeur of Delhi and Agra to the royal elegance of Jaipur and the spiritual heart of Varanasi, this journey reveals India through history, devotion, architecture, and living tradition.
🪔 Varanasi – One of the world’s oldest living cities, where sacred rituals unfold continuously along the Ganges River
🚣 Sunrise Ganges Boat Ride – Witness pilgrims, prayers, and morning light illuminating the ancient ghats of Varanasi
🛕 Kashi Vishwanath Temple – One of Hinduism’s holiest temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva and spiritual liberation
🔥 Dashashwamedh Ghat & Evening Ganga Aarti – A profound riverside ceremony of fire, chanting, devotion, and sacred offering
☸️ Sarnath – The revered Buddhist pilgrimage site where the Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment
🕍 Dhamek Stupa – A sacred monument honoring the beginning of the Buddha’s teaching journey
ITINERARY AT A GLANCE:
Day 1–3 (Sun–Tue, Mar 14–16): LAX → Kathmandu
Day 3 (Tue, Mar 16): Arrival in Kathmandu – Boudha Stupa (D)
Day 4 (Wed, Mar 17): Kathmandu Heritage Tour (B, L, D)
Day 5 (Thu, Mar 18): Bhaktapur → Nagarkot (B, L, D)
Day 6 (Fri, Mar 19): Sunrise → Hike → Namobuddha (B, L, D)
Day 7 (Sat, Mar 20): Return to Kathmandu – Thamel (B, L, D)
Day 8 (Sun, Mar 21): Kathmandu → Paro → Thimphu (B, D)
Day 9–13: Bhutan Exploration (B, L, D)
Day 14 (Sat, Mar 27): Paro → Delhi (B, D)
Day 15–19: India Golden Triangle (B, L, D)
Day 20 (Fri, Apr 2): Departure (B)
EXTENSION TO VARANASI (BANARAS):
Day 20 (Fri, Apr 2): Jaipur → Varanasi – Old City Walk & Evening Ghats (B, D)
Day 21 (Sat, Apr 3): Sacred Varanasi – Sunrise Ganges Boat Ride & Ganga Aarti (B, L, D)
Day 22 (Sun, Apr 4): Varanasi → Sarnath → Delhi (B, D)
Day 23 (Mon, Apr 5): Delhi → LAX
PRICE INCLUDES:
International and domestic flights
All transportation by private vehicle
Professional English-speaking guides
4-star hotels
Daily breakfast, dinners, and 14 lunches
Entrance fee, shuttle bus & any other fees of the scenic spots as required
Activities & excursions as listed in the itinerary
PRICE EXCLUDES:
Travel and health insurance
Visas (Nepal, Bhutan, India – approx. $120 total)
Gratuities: $10 per person per day (collected prior to the trip)
RESERVATIONS:
To reserve your spot:
Call Catherine at Tarzana Tour & Travel: 626-380-7948
Email passport copy to: catherine@tarzanatour.com
A $500 deposit is required and is non-refundable and non-transferable. By submitting your deposit, you acknowledge and agree to the reservation and cancellation policy.
Disclaimer / Release of Liability Agreement
Please note: Airfares are constantly fluctuating now more than ever, and due to the frequent airline cancellation beyond our control; hence, price subject to change without prior notice.
ITINERARY DETAILS:
Day 1 – Mar 14 → Day 3 – Mar 16 | LAX – Kathmandu, Nepal
🇳🇵 NEPAL
Day 3 – Mar 16 | Arrival in Kathmandu – Boudha Stupa (D)
First Touch of the Sacred
Arrive in Kathmandu, where ancient traditions and vibrant daily life intertwine. After settling into your hotel, enjoy an evening visit to Boudha Stupa, one of the largest and most sacred Buddhist stupas in the world. As monks chant and prayer wheels turn, you’ll feel gently welcomed into Nepal’s spiritual rhythm.
Day 4 – Mar 17 | Kathmandu UNESCO Heritage Tour (B, L, D)
Living History & Sacred Cities
Explore three of Nepal’s most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites, each revealing layers of devotion, artistry, and royal history.
Kathmandu Durbar Square – The historic heart of the old royal city, filled with intricately carved palaces, courtyards, and temples.
Patan Durbar Square – Renowned for its refined Newari architecture and centuries-old craftsmanship.
Swoyambhunath (Monkey Temple) – A hilltop stupa offering panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley, symbolizing harmony between Buddhism and Hinduism.
Day 5 – Mar 18 | Bhaktapur & Drive to Nagarkot (B, L, D)
Medieval Charm & Mountain Air
Step back in time at Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a beautifully preserved medieval city known for its temples, pottery squares, and traditional lifestyle. Later, drive to Nagarkot, a peaceful hill station celebrated for Himalayan vistas and quiet evenings.
Day 6 – Mar 19 | Nagarkot Sunrise – Changunarayan Hike – Namobuddha (B, L, D)
Sunrise, Pilgrimage & Reflection
Begin the day with a breathtaking sunrise over the Himalayas from Nagarkot. Enjoy a scenic hike to Changunarayan Temple, one of Nepal’s oldest Hindu temples and a UNESCO site. Continue onward to Namobuddha, a revered Buddhist pilgrimage destination set in tranquil hills.
Day 7 – Mar 20 | Namobuddha – Return to Kathmandu – Thamel (B, L, D)
Monastic Stillness & Local Life
Visit the serene Namobuddha Monastery, a sacred hilltop site associated with compassion and selflessness in Buddhist tradition. Return to Kathmandu and enjoy relaxed time in Thamel, the city’s lively cultural quarter, ideal for souvenir shopping and people-watching.
🇧🇹 BHUTAN
Day 8 – Mar 21 | Kathmandu → Paro (Bhutan) – Thimphu (B, D)
Into the Last Himalayan Kingdom
Fly into Bhutan’s spectacular Paro Valley and drive to Thimphu, stopping at meaningful landmarks along the way.
Chuzom – A rare confluence marked by three distinct styles of stupas.
Tamchog Lhakhang – A 15th-century temple connected by a traditional iron chain bridge.
Memorial Chorten – A spiritual gathering place for daily prayer and meditation.
Wangditse Temple – A peaceful hilltop retreat overlooking Thimphu.
Tashichho Dzong – Bhutan’s majestic fortress housing the King’s offices and monastic body.
Day 9 – Mar 22 | Thimphu Valley Exploration (B, L, D)
Culture, Wisdom & Daily Bhutanese Life
Buddha Dordenma (Kuensel Phodrang) – One of the world’s largest Buddha statues with sweeping valley views.
National Library – Home to ancient Buddhist manuscripts and sacred texts.
Institute of Zorig Chusum – Discover Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts preserved through generations.
Thimphu Town & Markets – A gentle evening stroll through Bhutan’s charming capital.
Day 10 – Mar 23 | Thimphu → Punakha via Dochula Pass (B, L, D)
Mountain Passes & Sacred Fortresses
Drive through stunning landscapes to Punakha.
Dochula Pass – Famous for 108 chortens and panoramic Himalayan views on clear days.
Wangdue Dzong – Recently restored, symbolizing resilience and continuity.
Punakha Dzong – Widely regarded as Bhutan’s most beautiful dzong, set at the confluence of two rivers.
Day 11 – Mar 24 | Punakha Valley Exploration (B, L, D)
Pilgrimage & Blessings
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten – A scenic hike to a hilltop chorten built for peace and protection.
Chimi Lhakhang – Known as the Temple of Fertility, dedicated to the beloved “Divine Madman,” blending humor and devotion.
Day 12 – Mar 25 | Punakha → Paro (B, L, D)
Heritage & Valley Views
Return to Paro and explore Bhutan’s cultural treasures.
National Museum (Ta Dzong) – A former watchtower showcasing Bhutanese art and history.
Rinpung Dzong – An impressive fortress monastery overlooking Paro Valley.
Cantilever Bridge – One of Bhutan’s longest traditional bridges.
Paro Town – Leisurely evening to explore local shops and cafés.
Day 13 – Mar 26 | Paro – Tiger’s Nest Hike (B, L, D)
The Sacred Climb
Hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktshang), dramatically perched on a cliffside. This spiritual journey is both physically rewarding and deeply moving. Later, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples.
Day 14 – Mar 27 | Bhutan to India (B, D)
Depart Paro and fly to Delhi, where the pace shifts from Himalayan serenity to the vibrant energy of India’s capital. Settle into your hotel and enjoy a restful evening.
🇮🇳 INDIA – GOLDEN TRIANGLE
Day 15 – Mar 28 | Paro → Delhi – Layers of History (B, D)
Where Everything Begins to Move Again
Arrive in Delhi, where the stillness of the mountains gives way to movement, sound, and layered history. Begin at Jama Masjid, where prayer and daily life unfold side by side.
Move through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk by rickshaw, passing spice shops, street vendors, and generations of trade. Later, visit Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar, where the scale and stillness of these spaces offer a quiet contrast to the city around them.
Day 16 – Mar 29 | Delhi → Agra (B, L, D)
Toward Something Timeless
Travel to Agra, where the rhythm softens as you approach one of the world’s most enduring symbols.
In the evening, visit Mehtab Bagh across the Yamuna River. As the light begins to fade, the Taj Mahal reveals a quieter side—less about grandeur, more about stillness and reflection.
Day 17 – Mar 30 | Agra – Mughal Grandeur (B, L, D)
Echoes of Empire
Explore Agra Fort, where vast courtyards and red sandstone walls hold stories of power, love, and distance.
Continue to Itmad-ud-Daulah, a smaller, more delicate monument where intricate marble details invite a slower kind of attention.
For those who choose, an optional visit to a local elephant conservation center offers a different kind of connection—quiet, grounded, and respectful.
Day 18 – Mar 31 | Taj Sunrise & Journey to Jaipur (B, L, D)
Light, Stone, and the Passage of Time
Begin before sunrise at the Taj Mahal, when the crowds are few and the light changes slowly across the marble. In this quiet moment, the monument feels less like an icon and more like something deeply personal.
Continue to Fatehpur Sikri, a city once full of life, now left behind—its silence holding what remains.
Stop at Chand Baori, where precise geometry descends into shadow, both striking and unexpected. Arrive in Jaipur by evening.
Day 19 – Apr 1 | Jaipur – The Pink City (B, L, D)
Color, Craft, and Continuity
Spend the day in Jaipur, where color and movement return in full.
Visit Amber Fort, rising above the hills with layered courtyards and quiet corners. Continue to City Palace Jaipur and Jantar Mantar Jaipur, where royal life and the study of time exist side by side.
Pause at Hawa Mahal and Jal Mahal—moments that feel less like stops, and more like passing glimpses of a city still unfolding.
Return to Delhi in the evening.
Day 20 – Apr 2 | Jaipur → Varanasi (B, D)
Into the Sacred City
Fly east to Varanasi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and among the holiest places in Hinduism.
In the evening, walk through the old city’s narrow lanes, where shrines, incense, pilgrims, and daily ritual life exist in constant motion. Arrive at Dashashwamedh Ghat as twilight gathers along the Ganges, where chanting, bells, and sacred fire illuminate the riverfront.
Flight Schedule:
• AI 1834: Jaipur → Delhi | 08:35 – 09:35
• AI 1741: Delhi → Varanasi | 10:40 – 12:00
Day 21 – Apr 3 | Sacred Varanasi Experience (B, L, D)
Along the Eternal Ganges
Begin before dawn with a sunrise boat ride along the Ganges River, watching pilgrims gather along the ghats as the city slowly awakens in golden light.
Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of Hinduism’s most sacred temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, then continue exploring the alleyways, shrines, and riverside ghats that shape the spiritual rhythm of Varanasi.
In the evening, witness the Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat—a profound offering of fire, chanting, and devotion to the sacred river.
Day 22 – Apr 4 | Varanasi → Delhi (B, L, D)
Where the Buddha First Taught
This morning, travel to Sarnath, where the Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment.
Visit the great Dhamek Stupa and explore the surrounding archaeological ruins, where monasteries and centers of learning once flourished. The atmosphere here feels markedly different from Varanasi—quieter, contemplative, and deeply reflective.
Fly back to Delhi in the afternoon for your final evening in India.
Flight Schedule:
• AI 2624: Varanasi → Delhi | 15:45 – 17:25
Day 23 – Apr 5 | Departure (B)
Carrying It Forward
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
What began among mountains, monasteries, sacred rivers, and royal cities now continues in quieter ways—through memory, perspective, and the subtle shift in how you move through the world.
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