Singapore, 30 May 2013 - A respite from the daily smog and noise are top priorities when Singapore's city-bound urbanites shop for destinations. Beautiful landscapes, fresh air and the chance to get up close and personal with wildlife are the essentials on every seasoned traveller's checklist. This year, premium and luxury tour operator Insight Vacations takes holidaymakers back to nature in style with odysseys to Asia's untouched hinterlands of Bhutan and Nepal.

Lift your spirits instantly when you step foot into Bhutan, the happiest place on earth. Bhutan's first and finest gift to its guests is the clean and refreshing mountain air. Smoking is banned in almost all public areas, the sale of cigarettes is illegal, and smokers who wish to bring their own supply into the country must be registered. Travellers who are looking to quit the habit might find the 7-day Land of the Dragon Kingdom (US$4,088) an invigorating start.

The journey through the last Shangri-La on earth begins in picturesque Paro Valley, home to the Taktsang Lhakhang or "Tiger's Nest", Bhutan's most iconic landmark and religious site. The temple is perched upon an outcrop suspended 900 metres above the valley, and was built around a cave where the Second Buddha was purported to have meditated for three years, three months, three weeks, three days and three hours to subdue evil demons residing within. At Thimphu, the only capital city in the world to rely on human traffic conductors rather than traffic lights, get in touch with your spiritual roots by visiting the King's Memorial Chorten. Elderly Bhutanese walk around this Buddhist "seat of faith" as part of a daily ritual which includes whirling the red prayer wheels and praying within the shrine.

Stunning views also abound on the neighbouring 7-day Jewels of Nepal (US$1,648) tour. Kathmandu is the political and cultural capital of the country, and is where the ancient Durbar Square is situated. The Square is a pristine example of Newari architecture, and houses the magnificent Royal Palace Complex as well as the accompanying Kumari Ghar, residence of the only Living Goddess in the world. The classical buildings of the city are enlivened by regular ceremonial processions featuring throngs of devotees, featuring traditional chariots and masked dancers.

Just a comfortable coach drive away are the natural wonders of Pokhara and Nagarkot. The former is known as the "Jewel of the Himalayas", and is the gateway to the majestic Annapurna range. Phewa Lake, the largest and most beautiful of the three that lie at the foot of the mountains, offers the opportunity for a cruise over the shimmering reflections of Mount Annapurna and Mount Machhapuchhre. Boats will also take visitors to Barahi Temple in the middle of the lake, a two-storey pagoda dedicated to Durga, Pokhara's Hindu guardian deity. The main attraction at Nagarkot, on the other hand, is the gorgeous view of the sunrise and sunset over the Himalayas. Located two kilometres above sea level, the rustic village offers the most panoramic view of the snow-capped ranges within the Kathmandu valley.

For those who are eager to immerse themselves in the wild, the 9-day Himalayan Adventure (US$1,998) presents the opportunity to see the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger in its native habitat at Chitwan National Park. Experienced naturalists will guide travellers through the dense jungle in a jeep to track down deer, wild boar, rhinoceros, monkeys and many more local fauna. Nights will be spent at the deluxe Jungle Villa Resort, a luxurious oasis at the edge of the wilderness.

Book and pay in full for these land tours before 31 August 2013 to enjoy savings of up to US$200 per person. Citibank cardholders will also receive an exclusive 28" trolley luggage if they spend over S$6,000 on Insight Vacations land tours and associated airfare.

• 7-day Land of the Dragon Kingdom (US$4,088)

Departing 13 October 2013 and returning 19 October 2013

• 9-day Himalayan Adventure (US$1,998)

Departing 17 November 2013 and returning 25 November 2013

• 7-day Jewels of Nepal (US$1,648)

Departing 25 November 2013 and returning 1 December 2013

For more information, please contact 6922 5950 / 6338 7338, email info@insightvacations.com.sg or see www.insightvacations.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow them on Twitter (@InsightVacation) or like them on Facebook (www.facebook.com/InsightVacations).

About Insight Vacations

Founded in 1978, Insight Vacations is Europe's premier escorted tour operator with offices in the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Singapore and the UK. Insight provides premium escorted coach journeys throughout Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean, North America and the Indian subcontinent. "The Art of Touring in Style" lies at the very heart of Insight's philosophy. Its travel programs are specially designed to showcase each destination while indulging guests with impeccable service standards. Uniquely, Insight delivers exceptional quality, unequalled value, and unforgettable escorted vacations that allow guests time to enjoy personal freedom while holidaying, at levels currently unrivalled elsewhere. Insight's international team of travel professionals plays host to over 100,000 guests each year. The company has appointed specialist travel agents throughout Asia in Brunei, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

For media queries, please contact:
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