Bhutan, Nepal & Tibet

Introduces the three Himalayan kingdoms of Bhutan, Nepal and Tibet in one single trip! Spectacular flight brings us to the tiny Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan where we will feel time has moved back. Explore the pastoral back roads of Bhutan, a true bastion of tradition in an uncertain world, where we find an independent people who have not rejected their ancient spiritual heritage for modern ways. We’ll visit the Shangri-La setting of the Paro Valley, the central Bhutanese town of Punakha, with its huge, spectacular monastery set by the river, and the capital city of Thimphu.

Fly to Nepal’s capital city of Kathmandu, an unforgettable melting pot of Hindu and Buddhist cultures. In the local markets and bazaars, we’ll rub shoulders with some of Nepal’s very diverse people; explore its wealth of Hindu and Buddhist sites, as well as charming valley towns like Bhaktapur, with its well-preserved 17^th-Century architecture.

A breathtaking flight over the Himalayas whisks us to the incomparable Tibet. In Lhasa, Tibet’s long-forbidden capital city at 12,000 feet, we’ll tour the major monuments, including the legendary gold-roofed, thousand-room Potala Palace. We’ll walk pilgrim trails, hike up to ancient ridge-top monasteries, meet a colorful array of people, from nomads to lamas, and relish in some of the most majestic mountain scenery on earth! Come take a step back in time and join us on this enriching, non-trekking journey for an eye-opening look into traditions and cultures far removed from those in the West!

Highlights

Visit Shang-ri La.
Experience the Hindu and Buddhist cultures in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Breathtaking flight over the Himalayas.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Bangkok

Take your flight to Bangkok and stay overnight in Bangkok.

Day 2

Paro / Thimphu (L/D)

It’s a spectacular flight offering views of snow capped mountains of the Eastern Himalayas. Upon arrival at Paro airport, we are met by representative and transferred to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. We attend the festival today.

Day 3

Thimphu (B/L/D)

In the morning we attend the Tsechhu festival and after explore the wonders of Thimphu that includes King’s Memeorial Chorten, Takin Zoo, Bhutanese Textile Musuem, School of Arts and Crafts, Heritage Museum, traditional appear factory, Tasicho Dzong, etc.

Day 4

Thimphu / Punakha (B/L/D)

After breakfast proceed to Punakha across Dochula pass. The pass offers the most spectacular view over the greater eastern Himalayas including highest peak of Bhutan. Enroute make short excursion about an hour to the temple of divine madman, also well known as the temple of fertility. It is fascinating to walk through village and the rice fields. Arrive Punakha, the capital city of Bhutan till 1955 and still the Je Khenpo, the Chief of Abbot resides there during the winter season. After lunch visit Punakha Dzong built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1638 and situated at the junction of Pho Chu and Mo Chu Rivers.

Day 5

Punakha / Paro (B/L/D)

Morning short excursion to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten. This chorine is dedicated to our present crown prince and for the world peace. Hike will take you around 45 minutes each way. Proceed to Thimphu for lunch. Before entering to Thimphu, you can visit the farmers weekend market, where local villages around Thimphu sell their agro products. Later visit nunnery temple, Sangaygang view point and takin. Free walk in Thimphu city, the best place to buy souvenir form Bhutan and evening drive to Paro.

Day 6

Paro (B/L/D)

Morning excursion to Taktsang Monastery which takes about 15 minutes drive to the starting point. The hike to Taktsang takes about an hour uphill till the viewpoint and another hour to monastery. Guru Rinpoche visited and meditated in 8^th century at this particular site. The Desi Tenzin Rabgye later built the temple in the 17^th century. Lunch at cafeteria.
In the evening visit Ta Dzong (national museum), the best place to familiarize about Bhutanese religion, customs and traditional arts and crafts.

Day 7

Paro / Kathmandu (B/D)

We fly over the sea of snow capped mountains to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. We will be able to see Mount Everest, the highest mountain on earth.

Day 8

Kathmandu / Nagarkot (B)

Embark on tour of the day that begins in Pashupatinath Temple, the holiest Hindu Temple on the bank of holy bagmati River, one of the principal tributaries of Ganges. Admission to temple courtyard is reserved for Hindus only but you would have a very good close up form the other side of the river. The temple is vibrant with the activities of the devotees. You will also get to see the Hindu Cremation Services on the bank of the River. From here, the giant Boudhanath stupa lies in 10 minutes distance.

This has the fame as the largest Stupa in the world and one of the ‘must visit’ sites for Tibetan Buddhists in their life time and the area is inhabited by Tibetan refugees. Pilgrims circumambulate the stupa with spinning prayer wheels or counting beads and uttering sacred mantra Om Mani Padme Hum. Surrounded around the stupa are monasteries associated with different schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Have a break here for half an hour if you are thirsty or feel like some snacking!

In the afternoon, you will drive 14 km north-east to Bhaktapur, the best preserved medieval Malla Principality where you can see the intricate wood and stone works in the temples, monasteries and houses of Bhaktapur. The sightseeing tour concludes in the late afternoon and drive to Nagarkot.

Day 9

Depart Kathmandu

It is time for your magical journey to come to an end. After breakfast this morning you will be transferred to the airport for your international flight back home.

Day 10

Dhulikhel / Kathmandu (B)

After breakfast in the hotel drive to Kathmandu. Sightseeing of Patal the city of art and craft en-route. After noon drive into the heart of the city and visit the Durbar Square of Kathmandu where the former palaces of Kathmandu lie. There are a culture of ancient and medieval temples and shrines. The most dominant are the Kumari Temple, the temple of the Living Goddess of Nepal, Legendary Kasthamandap Temple and Hippy Temple! The temples palaces and shrines are rich in arts and architectures.

From here, you will continue to Swayambhunath Stupa, that lies near your hotel. The 2000 year old stupa is situated in 80 above the average level of Kathmandu and is spectacular view point. tEH stupa was also nick-named as Monkey Temple by the Hippies in the 70s.

Day 11

Lhasa (B)

Guide will pick you up at the hotel and transfer to airport for flight to Lhasa. On your arrival at Lhasa airport, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel in Lhasa city. On the way, we stop to visit Drolma Lakhang temple and the blue rock engraving of Medicine Buddha at the base of the cliff.

Day 12

Lhasa (B)

Visit the World Heritage formidable site of Potala Palace in the morning. In the afternoon, visit Sera Monastery. Towards the late afternoon, visit the 7^th century Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s hoist site. In the evening, take a walk in a close-wise circuit or Kora around the temple grounds, along with the stream of humanity. Stroll through Barkhor market square. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant with Tibetan dance and music in local tourist restaurant.

Day 13

Lhasa (B/D)

In the morning, visit Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery of Tibet. Later visit Mentsekhang (traditional Hospital). In the afternoon visit Norbulingkha Palace. The rest of the afternoon is free for rest or stroll around.

Day 14

Yamdrok Tsho Lake (B)

Embark on the ride of a lifetime along the Lhasa-Kathmandu Southern Highway that runs parallel to the Himalayas. After half an hour from the city, you will drive across the Yarlungdzangbo River and the road gradually climbs to Kamba La form where you will have the first view of brilliant turquoise blue Yamdrok Tso Lake that lies several feet below the road. This is one of the four hoist lakes of Tibet and the home of wrathful deities. Along with the lake, the view in the distance of Mt. Nojin Kangtsang can be seen. We visit the lake and return to Lhasa by late afternoon.

Day 15

Depart Lhasa (B)

Flight to Beijing/Chengdu/Kathmandu and connect for departure flight to final destination.

Inclusions

Meet and greet on arrival at Airport.
Accommodation and meals as indicated in the itinerary (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner).
Entrance fees where applicable.
Tours as indicated in the itinerary.
Professional English-speaking guide/driver guide.
Transfers
Travel Protection is offered on all packages at an additional cost.