Culture, Nature & Paradise Beaches
Asia Escapes Expert Review
It is an epic itinerary, extremely attractive commercially and with an extraordinary sales projection for the luxury segment and long trips. It perfectly combines three complementary experiences: the mystical spirituality of Bhutan, the cultural and natural immersion of Sri Lanka, and the paradisiacal rest in an All-Inclusive resort in the Maldives.
Strategic Composition: The progression of the pace of the trip is impeccably designed: it starts with trekking and high mountain culture, continues with a dynamic circuit through jungles, tea plantations and safari, and culminates in absolute relaxation on the beaches of the Maldives.
Air Management and Logistics: The inclusion of the 4 key regional flights (Kathmandu – Paro – Delhi – Colombo – Malé) drastically simplifies the sale for the agent.
Operational Service Points: Day 8 requires smooth air connections (Paro–Delhi–Colombo). Similarly, in Sri Lanka, the journey on the Kandy to Ella scenic train should always be reported as “subject to local availability/operation”.
BHUTAN, SRI LANKA & MALDIVES / 21 DAYS | CULTURE, NATURE AND PARADISIACAL BEACHES
DAY 01 ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU
Arrival, assistance and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day free to rest and adapt to the destination. Accommodation.
DAY 02 KATHMANDU – PARO – THIMPHU (flight to Paro and overland to Thimpu)
Breakfast, lunch, dinner included,Transfer to the airport to take the flight to Paro. Arrival, assistance and transfer by road to Thimphu.
During the journey, breathtaking Himalayan landscapes are enjoyed and, on arrival, a traditional reception with a white scarf “Tashi Khaddar”, a symbol of good wishes.
In the afternoon visit of MEMORIAL CHORTEN, one of the most emblematic monuments of Bhutan. THIMPHU MARKET AND MAIN STREET, Walk through Ka Ja Throm, center of local life, gastronomy and crafts.
Overnight in Thimphu.
DAY 03 THIMPHU
Breakfast, lunch, dinner included. We will visit
Departure to visit, BUDDHA DORDENMA Gigantic Buddha statue of 51 meters with magnificent panoramic views.
CAMINATA HASTA CHANGANGKHA LHAKHANG
One of Bhutan’s oldest and most revered temples, built in the 12th century on a hill with panoramic views of Thimphu. The trail passes through pine forests and numerous prayer flags, offering a unique spiritual and scenic experience.
MONASTERY OF DRUBTHOB GOEMA NUNS
An important Buddhist convent for women located in the hills of Thimphu. It is home to dozens of nuns who follow rigorous religious training and play a fundamental role in preserving the country’s spiritual traditions.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TRADITIONAL ARTS
Center dedicated to the teaching and conservation of the thirteen traditional arts of Bhutan. Visitors can observe students perfecting ancestral techniques such as religious painting, wood carving, embroidery, and sculpture.
MUSEUM OF POPULAR HERITAGE
Ethnographic museum that shows the daily life of Bhutanese families through a restored traditional house. Its exhibitions allow you to learn about the customs, rural architecture, agricultural tools and traditions of the country.
TRASHICHHOE DZONG
Imposing fortress-monastery located on the banks of the Wang Chhu River. It is the seat of Bhutan’s government and central monastic authority. With its elegant courtyards, temples and gardens, it is one of the most iconic monuments of Thimphu and the Kingdom of Bhutan.
Overnight in Thimphu.
DAY 04 THIMPHU – PUNAKHA
Breakfast, lunch, dinner included. We will visit
Departure to Punakha crossing the famous: DOCHU-LA PASS (3,088 M), with spectacular views of the Himalayas and the 108 chortens.
PUNAKHA DZONG
Considered the most spectacular monastery-fortress in Bhutan, it is strategically located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Built in 1637, it was the former capital of the kingdom and remains one of the most important religious centers in the country. Its stunning architecture, decorated courtyards, and natural surroundings make it a must-see.
CHIMI LHAKHANG
Known as the Fertility Temple, it was built in honor of Lama Drukpa Kunley, the celebrated “Divine Madman” of Bhutan. Situated among rice fields and accessible by a pleasant walk, this shrine welcomes pilgrims from all over the world who seek blessings for fertility, health, and family happiness. It is one of the most popular and unique places in the country.
Overnight in Punakha
DAY 05 PUNAKHA
Breakfast, lunch, dinner included. We will visit
KHAMSUM YUELLEY NAMGYEL CHORTEN
Beautiful Buddhist shrine situated on a hill above the Punakha Valley. It is accessed by a pleasant walk through rice fields, forests and small rural villages. From the top, you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the valley and the meanders of the Mo Chhu River.
PUNAKHA SUSPENSION BRIDGE
One of the longest and most scenic suspension bridges in Bhutan. Suspended over the Pho Chhu River and adorned with colorful prayer flags, it offers magnificent views of the natural environment and constitutes an authentic experience to learn about the daily life of the local communities.
WANGDUEPHODRANG DZONG
Impressive monastery-fortress built in the seventeenth century on a strategic ridge overlooking the valley. After extensive restoration, the dzong has regained its original splendor and remains an important administrative and religious center of the region.
TRADITIONAL RINCHENGANG VILLAGE
Charming rural village known for its traditional stone and wooden houses, built very close to each other. Strolling through its narrow alleys allows you to discover authentic Bhutanese life, its ancestral customs and magnificent views over the Wangdue Phodrang valley.
Overnight in Punakha.
DAY 06 PUNAKHA – STOP
Breakfast, lunch, dinner included
Departure to Paro. We will visit
TA DZONG, a former watchtower converted into the National Museum of Bhutan, houses a valuable collection of art, religious relics, textiles, traditional weapons, and historical artifacts that allow you to learn about the kingdom’s rich culture and heritage. Its location also offers magnificent views of the Paro Valley.
RINPUNG DZONG, Magnificent fortress-monastery known as the “Fortress of the Pile of Jewels”, considered one of the most impressive constructions in Bhutan. Built in the seventeenth century, it stands out for its elegant traditional architecture, its decorated interior courtyards and its important function as a religious and administrative center of the Paro Valley. It is also the scene of the famous annual Paro Tsechu festival.
VISIT TO A TRADITIONAL BHUTANESE HOUSE
Cultural and gastronomic experience.
Accommodation in Paro.
DAY 07 EXCURSION TO THE NIDO DEL TIGRE MONASTERY
MONASTERY
Breakfast, lunch, dinner included
TAKTSHANG (TIGER’S NEST), Bhutan’s most famous and sacred visit. Hike of approximately 5 hours round trip.
KYICHU LHAKHANG, One of the oldest temples in the country.
Free time to explore Paro.
Accommodation.
DAY 08 PARO – Delhi – Colombo
Breakfast.
Transfer to Paro airport for flight to Delhi and flight connection to Colombo, arrival and transfer to the hotel.
Dinner and Accommodation.
DAY 09 COLOMBO – DAMBULLA – HABARANA
Breakfast. Departure to Habarana en route visiting the TEMPLES OF DAMBULLA, a cave complex declared a World Heritage Site with extraordinary Buddhist paintings and sculptures.
Dinner and overnight.
DAY 10 SIGIRIYA AND POLONNARUWA
Breakfast. We will visit SIGIRIYA ROCK, Lion Fortress and its famous frescoes.
POLONNARUWA, Antigua capital medieval de Sri Lanka.
They highlight:
- Gal Vihara.
- Parakrama Samudra.
- Temples and historical ruins.
Dinner and overnight.
DAY 11 HABARANA – MATALE – KANDY
Breakfast. We will visit, MATALE SPICE GARDEN, TEMPLE OF THE SACRED TOOTH, the most revered place of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
TRADITIONAL DANCE SHOW
Dinner and overnight in Kandy.
DAY 12 KANDY – NUWARA ELIYA – ELLA
Breakfast. We see CEYLON TEA PLANTATIONS, TEA FACTORY
SCENIC TRAIN TO IT (subject to operation)
Considered one of the most beautiful railway routes in the world.
Dinner and overnight.
DAY 13 ELLA – YALA
Breakfast. Departure to Yala. Arrival and transfer to the hotel. SAFARI IN YALA NATIONAL PARK
Possibility to observe leopards, elephants, deer and numerous species of birds.
Dinner and overnight.
DAY 14 YALA – GALLE
Breakfast. Departure to Galle en route we see FISHERMEN ON STILTS, we will visit Galle
Colonial city declared a World Heritage Site. DUTCH FORT OF GALLE
Dinner and overnight.
DAY 15 GALLE – FREE DAY
Breakfast. RELAX ON THE BEACH
Free time to enjoy the sea and the coastal environment.
Dinner and overnight.
DAY 16 GALLE – COLOMBO
Breakfast.
VISIT OF COLOMBO
- Pettah neighborhood.
- Hindu and Buddhist temples.
- Colonial buildings.
- Residential areas.
Dinner and overnight
DAY 17 COLOMBO – MALDIVES
Breakfast at the hotel.
Flight to Maldives.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and alcoholic beverages included.
Arrival and transfer by speedboat to the resort.
Accommodation.
DAY 18 MALDIVES
FREE DAY IN PARADISE
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and alcoholic beverages included. Free time to enjoy white sand beaches and crystal clear waters.
Accommodation
DAY 19 MALDIVES
FREE DAY
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and alcoholic beverages included. Possibility to do optional activities or just relax.
Accommodation.
DAY 20 MALDIVES
LAST DAY AT THE BEACH
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and alcoholic beverages included. Free time to enjoy the resort.
Accommodation.
DAY 21 MALDIVES – MEXICO
Breakfast.
At the indicated time, transfer to the airport to take the return flight.
END OF SERVICES
-Accommodation with breakfast in Kathmandu (Nepal)
-Full-board accommodation in Bhutan
-Half-board accommodation in Sri-Lanka
-All-inclusive accommodation in Maldives
– English-speaking guide in Bhutan and Sri-Lanak throughout the trip
– Speedboat transfers in Maldives
-Flights (Kathmandu/Paro/Delhi/Colombo/Male) weight 20 kilo /7 in hand – 4 flights
– Entrance fees according to travel itinerary
– Transportation in all destinations according to itinerary, transfers, excursions, between cities
-The rates applicable at this time.
Region / Stretch | Key Experiences Included | Destinations & Milestones |
Kingdom of Bhutan (Culture and Himalayas) | • Hike to the Tiger’s Nest (Taktshang): The holiest shrine hanging from the mountain. • Punakha Dzong & Dochu-La Pass: Monastery-fortress at the confluence of rivers and panoramic views at 3,088 m. • Cultural Experience: Statue of Buddha Dordenma (51 m) and visits to traditional houses. | Paro, Thimphu & Punakha |
Sri Lanka (Nature & Heritage) | • UNESCO Icons: Climbing the Rock of Sigiriya and sacred caves of Dambulla. • Scenic Train & Tea Plantations: Rail crossing between the hills of Ceylon to Ella. • Safari Yala & Colonial Coast: Wildlife Watching (Leopard Possibility) and Dutch Fort Galle. | Habarana, Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella, Yala & Galle |
Maldives (Paradise Beaches) | • All Inclusive Regime: Complete relaxation stay in the resort with alcoholic beverages included. • Speedboat transfers: Fully coordinated arrival and departure logistics. | Maldives |
Here is the comparison table with the 4 planned★ hotels and the alternatives in category5★ for all destinations on the itinerary:
City | Nights | Planned Hotels (4★) | Proposed Alternatives (5★) |
Kathmandu | 1 | Shambala Hotel / Ramada Encore | Soaltee Hotel / Hyatt Centric / Radisson |
Thimphu | 2 | Lemon Tree Resort | Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/D2D |
Punakha | 2 | Lobesa Boutique Hotel | Dhensa Boutique Resort / Pemako Punakha |
Strike | 2 | Tenzinling Luxury Tent Villa | Le Méridien Paro Riverfront / Zhiwa Ling Heritage |
Colombo | 1 | Marino Beach Colombo | Kingsbury Colombo / Cinnamon Grand |
Habarana | 2 | Habarana Village by Cinnamon | Cinnamon Lodge Habarana / Heritance Kandalama |
Kandy | 1 | Radisson Kandy | The Grand Kandyan / Earl’s Regency |
She | 1 | On Rock Ella | 98 Acres Resort & Spa / EKHO Ella |
Yala | 1 | Chaarya Resort & Spa | Cinnamon Wild Yala / Jetwing Yala |
Galle | 2 | Radisson Blu Resort Galle | The Great Galle / Amangalla |
Colombo | 1 | Radisson Colombo | Shangri-La Colombo / Taj Samudra |
Maldives | 4 | Oblu Select Lobigili / OBLU Experience Ilafushi | SAii Lagoon Maldives / Hard Rock Hotel Maldives |