Nepal Bhutan and Tibet Tour (14 Days)

Your tour starts as you arrive at the airport in Kathmandu. Upon your arrival we will greet you with a traditional garland (floral wreath worn around your neck). This is our way of saying welcome to Nepal. You will then be transferred by private car to your hotel to settle in. You might choose to go for a walk around after some rest.

In the morning after having breakfast you will drive to Bodhnath. Bodhnath is the largest stupa of Nepal. Around the octagonal base of stupa there are 108 images of Buddha where prayer ceremonies of Buddhist Lamas are taking place since over 2000 years. Then you will proceed to visit the temple of Pashupatinath which is Nepal’s most important Hindu pilgrim site on the banks of the Bagmati River. The temple of Pashupatinath is dedicated to god Shiva. In the afternoon proceed for a half day sightseeing tour of Patan city. Patan was the second largest town in the valley but it has been absorbed into Kathmandu. After visiting Patan you will proceed to visit the Swayambhunath. The stupa at Swayambhunath is the most important and oldest site of Buddhist worship in Nepal. Swayambhunath Stupa is famous for the eyes of Buddha which seem to be observing the world from all 4 directions.

After breakfast it’s time to fly to Tibet. You will be driven to Kathmandu airport to catch your flight. It’s a one hour flight over the highest mountain range in the world. Your guide and driver will meet you at the airport with a warm Tibetan style welcome ceremony by presenting you Khata (scarf) and will escort you to Lhasa. On the 2-hour drive, you’ll enjoy the heart-stopping views along the Yarlong Tsangpo River. After checking into your hotel, have a rest to acclimatize yourself to this high altitude city at the top of the world. We then go to visit the Tibet Museum, which is not only a source of information and inspiration for Tibetans themselves, but also educates visitors from the world on the unique culture.

The overwhelming Potala Palace is your first stop. As the symbol of Tibet, it was built in 641 AD and was the winter palace of the Dalai Lama. Impressive Tibetan architecture, huge golden Buddha statues, red-robed lamas and devoted pilgrims all make it a must-visit.In the afternoon, visit the Johkang Temple, the centre of Tibetan Buddhism, built in 647 A.D. After the Johkang Temple, we will start a circular pilgrimage route along Barkhor Street where you can purchase traditional Tibetan and Nepalese artefacts, religious implements, antiques, books, music instrument and Thangkas (paintings).

After breakfast we drive north towards Namtso Lake which is known as the Sky Lake among Tibetans. Namtso Lake is also one of the highest lakes in the world with as altitude of 4718 meters. The deep blue water makes the lake look like a part of the sky. The perennial snow-capped Nyenqing Tangula Mountains, with peaks over 7000 meters, tower above the lake to the south. You could also see vast Namtso grassland with nomadic families and yaks dotted around. The sunset and sunrise over the lake are definitely two highlights of this Sky Lake tour.

In the morning, after appreciating the breathtaking sunrise over the lake, we will drive back to Lhasa. In the afternoon, you will have a chance to watch the famous scripture debating among monks at Sera Monastery. This is one of three main Gelug monasteries in Lhasa.

After breakfast you will be driven to the airport. Farewell from Tibet! On arrival back in Kathmandu you will be driven back to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Garden of Dreams, go shopping or simply rest

After breakfast your guide will brief you on your trip to Bhutan. Your flight will be with Bhutan’s national airline Druk Air, the only airline in Bhutan. If the weather is clear, you will have wonderful views of the Himalayas including Mt Everest. It’s a breathtaking journey, culminating in an exciting descent past forested hills into the kingdom of Bhutan. Upon arrival, be greeted by your local guide and escorted to the capital Thimphu, passing by Tamchog Lhakang Iron Bridge en route. Hotel check-in, then head for the Buddha Dordenma Statue and the Takin Sanctuary, where you’ll see Bhutan’s unique national animal the Takin. Continue to meet the nuns at Zilukha Nunnery, before going to Bhutan Post Office Headquarters where you can make stamps with your own photos (USD $4 for 12 stamps, at your expense). Later visit Thimphu Dzong (Trashichho Dzong), the largest religious building in Thimphu as well as the central administrative centre (open after 5 pm, Monday to Friday).

After breakfast we head towards Punakha. On your way, stop at Dochula Pass to have a coffee break and admire the grand 108 stupas. If the weather is clear, take in the enchanting views of Mt. Himalaya. Proceed to Chimmi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the Devine Madman, a sacred place where people pray for children. Next embrace the highlight – Punakha Dzong, a very grand building of Bhutanese architecture, armed by the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. You will also visit the Suspension Bridge nearby (the longest bridge in Bhutan).

Drive back to Paro and start today’s tour with Paro Dzong, perhaps the finest example of Bhutanese architecture as well as a local religious administrative centre. Later visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower housing the National Museum, with abundant culture relics. Next go to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. This ends at a local farm house, where you can chat with local people, see how they live and may taste some homemade wine.

This morning, hike to visit Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest), a prominent Himalayan Buddhist sacred site and temple complex, be amazed by the view of this sacred temple hanging on the rocky cliff, and take in the beauty of Paro valley. After that, move to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, built to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over the Tibetan invaders. If the weather is clear, you’ll see a great distant view of Mt.Chomolhari.

After breakfast it’s time to say goodbye to the land of the Thunder Dragon. You will be escorted to the airport where you will fly back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival you will be warmly welcomed back to Nepal and taken to your hotel. The remaining day is free. Rest or let our guide show you more hidden sights around Kathmandu.

Explore the ancient Patan city, one of the three main cities of the valley which is renowned as city of art and craft. Main highlights of Patan city are Durbar square, ancient temples, Tibetan refugee camp and Patan industrial area. Enjoy the afternoon buying gifts, souvenirs or visit more sights with our Kathmandu expert tour guide. Overnight in Kathmandu

Our agency’s representative will greet you at your hotel with private car and offer you a Khada (scarf). Wearing a Khada means good luck and protection. Afterwards they will drop you to the airport. Farewell from Nepal