Rooftop of the World

Vicky Bryant

Built in the 1880s, the Oberoi Grand in Kolkata is known for its colonial-era interiors, exquisite handmade wood furniture and exceptional dining, having played host to countless dinner parties since the time of the British Raj. W e check in here for two-night stay.

Offset the pace of modern India with a flight to Bagdogra, in the tea-covered hills of Darjeeling. A road journey then brings us to our destination, located in the lesser Himalayas. With a choice of Your World experiences, you might catch a sunrise at Tiger Hill, or ride on the antiquated ‘toy steam train’ of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Among other adventures, we call in at the Himalayan Zoological Park.

We check in to Hotel Druk in Phuntsholing before setting off to explore the Kharbandi Monastery. With strands of prayer flags, enormous prayer wheels and clanging bells, the place breathes spirituality. The rugged geography of Bhutan is on show as we make the uphill journey to Thimphu, passing pine forests and slopes with plunging ravines. The Taj Tashi Hotel welcomes us for the next three nights – ample time to explore the city.

From Thimphu, we gain altitude driving along the Dochula Pass. If the weather is clear, we will see the Himalayas and Gangkhar Puensum mountain. Onwards, we explore the National Museum of Bhutan, Rinpung Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang, and also join locals for an archery match. In Paro, our most memorable moment is a hike to the sacred Taktsang monastery, built into vertical cliffs 900 metres above Paro Valley.

Fly to the capital of Nepal, Kathmandu. Explore the city’s surroundings and take in close-up views of Mt Everest on a private flight. Soak in Lhotse, Makalu and the countless other peaks. We spend time in the town of Patan, then fly to Bharatpur, gateway to Royal Chitwin National Park. Your World experiences take us deep into the area in search of wildlife, including, if we’re lucky, the leopard and Bengal tiger.

You won’t want to miss a second of the scenery en route to Pokhara. Admire the Nepali countryside and pretty villages perched on rolling hillsides. In Pokhara, take in breathtaking views with a selection of Your World experiences which include hang gliding, a hike to the World Peace Pagoda or an ultralight flight. We explore the Bindebasini Temple and Gupteswar Cave, before a boat ride across Fewa Lake.

We return to Kathmandu by plane. Step aboard a rickshaw and ride through Thamel to the Swayambhunath Temple. At Gokarna House Restaurant, we taste beautiful Nepali food while a stage show depicts the country’s culture and traditions. Our next stop is the centre of the Tibetan Plateau, Lhasa. We arrive here after our flight from Kathmandu, then travel by road past nomadic herders and their yaks.

We turn our attention to the Jokhang Temple, the most sacred in Tibet, as well as the Sera Monastery, one of the three most important teaching monasteries in Tibet. Potala Palace, once the residence of the Dalai Lama, is another highlight of our time here. On our final evening, we gather for a gala dinner accompanied by Tibetan music and dance. Spend our final morning in Lhasa relaxing, or take one last stroll through the city. Reflect on the magnificent parts of the world we have explored, seemingly hidden from outsiders.