Combining Bhutan with other countries

From the gilded cages and colourful depictions of Kal Bhairav in Durbar Square to the eyes of Buddha looking out from Swayamhbu Stupa over the historic monuments in the valley below, Kathmandu in Nepal makes for a stunning start to a tour prior to flying to Paro in Bhutan. Nepal boasts not only the highest point on the planet, Mount Everest, but also the birthplace of Gautama Buddha with a colourful trading heritage matched only by the transitional tale that saw Nepal switch from being the last Hindu monarchy to a secular state. Unravelling the threads of Hinduism before taking the one-hour flight on to Buddhist Bhutan is a real treat for cultural travellers.

Thimphu and Tashichho Dzong followed by views over Phobjikha Valley, by way of Dochhu La Pass, and trips to the incredible Taktsang Monastery, are what make visits to Bhutan such an enviable prospect but head from Paro to Guwahati and you’ll find yourself at the gateway to northeast India. Safaris within the realm of Kaziranga National Park will have you looking for tigers, elephants and one horned rhinos in one of India’s best regarded areas for wildlife conservation before heading to the largest river island on the planet, Majuli, and onwards to the rolling hills and lochs of Shillong. Combining a tour of the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan with the subtropical forests and agricultural plantations of Meghalaya, in northeast India, is about as eclectic an experience as you can imagine.