Where are the best places to visit in the Himalaya? The Beyond The Clouds team are passionate travellers, and experts on the Himalaya. Between us we have decades of knowledge and experience travelling around and organising tours in the region. We have lived in and explored Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet and Ladakh, so you can trust our in-depth understanding of the destinations we send our customers to. We hand-pick all of our accommodation and restaurants, and many of the itineraries are ones we’ve travelled ourselves. We only plan trips that we would love to do ourselves!
Our director, Fionna has put together her all time Top 10 Favourite places in the Himalaya. Whether you are planning a future trip or enjoying some armchair travel, sit back and check out these absolutely awesome locations.
Number 1: All time favourite: Tiger’s Nest Bhutan
Perched high on a cliff overlooking a stunning valley, this is not only one of the world's most photogenic monasteries but one of the most spiritual. The climb is not as hard as you think and if you struggle there are ponies that can be hired. Exploring each room of the monastery has to be one of my most magical experiences. A very special place and highly recommended as part of any Bhutan tour.
Number 2: Jokhang Temple, Lhasa, Tibet
It was hard to decide which of my top 2 places would win and perhaps they are both deserving of being my very top recommendations. The runner up ( and almost the winner) has to be the Jhokhang temple, Lhasa Tibet. I have incredible memories of sitting on the roof top for hours looking down on crimson robed monks back in 1998 when I travelled through Tibet to Nepal. I can still see it, smell it and drink in the atmosphere. Sadly, a fire has destroyed part of the temple and it is not clear exactly what has been damaged. It is a World Heritage site though and deservedly so.
Number 3: Bhraka, Manang, Nepal
Whilst most trekkers head to Manang on the Annapurna Circuit trek, we suggest a night in the quieter Bhraka just before Manang. Explore the stunning Bhraka Gompa, possibly one of my all time favourite monasteries! Experience genuine hospitality, great food and the most stupendous mountain views from your cozy guest house room.
NUMBER 4: Kagbeni, Lower Mustang, Nepal
Explore the narrow cobbled streets, visit the Red Monastery built in 1429 and enjoy a lunch of buckwheat bread and wild mushroom soup. This truly is one of my happy places! I simply love this ancient village and highly recommend the trek up from Jomsom or making it part of your Annapurna Circuit experience.
Number 5: Shangrila, Tibet
Shangrila, Tibet has to be in my top five favourite Himalayan places. Although the city itself is much like any other Chinese city, there is much to love about the fabled town of Shangri-La, where James Hilton is reputed to have based his novel 'Lost Horizons'. Explore the old town of Shangri La and Songzanlin Monastery built by the 5th Dalai Lama, modelled on the Potala Palace in Lhasa. Beyond The Clouds organises tours here and uses one of the most fabulous hotels in the region, owned and operated by Tibetans with Tibetan staff. Definitely one for the bucket list!
Number 6: Punakha Dzong
The ancient capital of Bhutan, Punakha Dzong is where the kings and queens of Bhutan are crowned. The dzong is very special and I go there each time I am in Bhutan. It is lovely to see if in different seasons but it is particularly photogenic with the blossoms in the spring. I have now found the perfect place to stay on a hill above the dzong so I can drink in the view even longer.
Number 7: Marpha, Lower Mustang, Nepal
With its super clean streets, white washed walls and stunning scenery, the village of Marpha is a popular stop on the Annapurna Circuit. Wonder between quaint shops selling traditional Tibetan jewelry and artifacts and stop off for a slice of carrot or chocolate cake. Still want more, visit the apple orchards, try the local apple brandy or take on the locals at a game of billiards.
Number 8: Samye Monastery, Tibet
Tibet's first Buddhist Monastery, Samye Monastery is situated in the ancient Yarlung Valley, the cradle of Tibetan civilization. I was there many years ago when you had to cross the Brahmaputra River by rowing boat to reach this stunning ancient monastery. Built in 762 it was the first official monastery in Tibet and one of the most important.
Number 9 : Chemrey Monastery, Ladakh
Spread over a steep hillock, Chemrey is one of Ladakh's most impressive sights. You have to pinch yourself as you wander the ancient corridors and stair cases. There is a 17th century prayer hall and fascinating museum on the top floor. The homestay nearby is highly recommended with basic but comfortable rooms and serving up delicious Ladakhi food.
Number 10: Bumthang, Bhutan
Situated in Central Bhutan, Bumthang is in fact not a town but an entire district. I attended a unique village festival, had fondue and Swiss Muesli at the iconic Swiss Guest House and met members of the Bhutanese Royal family at a remote palace. The scenery around Bumthang is gorgeous and fewer tourists visit this area than the more touristy Western Bhutan region.
Inspired? Contact Beyond The Clouds who can help turn your dreams into reality!
