Nepal & Tibet Highlights
DAY 01
KATHMANDU ARRIVAL
Explore around THAMEL a popular tourist hub, which was once popular worldwide as Freak
Street.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Included Meals: Breakfast.
DAY 02
FULL DAY TOUR OF PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE AND BOUDHANATH TOUR. AND
BHAKTAPUR CITY TOUR.
AM. Boudhanath is among the largest stupas in South Asia and it is the focal point of Tibetan
Buddhism in Nepal. This colossal stupa looms 36 meters high. Monks in maroon robes and
Tibetans with prayer wheels circumambulate the stupa mumbling prayer. All around the stupa
are interesting small souvenir stores.
Temple of Pashupatinath - dedicated to Lord Shiva is considered as the most sacred of Hindu
Shrines around the world. It is situated along the banks of River Bagmati where devotees can be
seen taking ritual dips in this holy river. It is also a site where Hindus cremate their dead. A
temple dedicated to Shiva existed at this site in AD 879. However, the present temple was built
by King Bhupatindra mall in 1697.
PM. BHAKTAPURE CITY.
Bhaktapur City is literally translated as the " City of Devotees". The artisans of Bhaktapure City
excelled in the traditional craft of stone and woodcarving. The excellence of this trade can be
observed with a stroll around the Palace square with its many temples and monuments of
exquisite architecture and artistic beauty of which the 55 – Windowed Palace and its Golden
Gate, the Peacock Windows and the Natapola Temple all built during the reign of King
Bhupetendra Malla In AD 1702, are just a few examples. A visit to the potters’ square can also be
very interesting. Men, women and children work with clay, molding pots of amazing designs with
their hands.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Included Meals: Breakfast.
DAY 03
DRIVE TO CHITWAN. (about 185 km, approx 6 hours drive)
Early Breakfast in the hotel and drive to Chitwan Wild Life National Park in time for lunch.
Spread over 967 square kms of dense sub-tropical forest. Chitwan National Park is reputed to be
the best managed wildlife-park in Asia. Check in at Machan Wild Life Safari or similar. This
park is a home to over 46 species of mammals and 450 species of birds.
After lunch commence on a Jungle sightseeing program.
Overnight: Hotel in Chitwan Jungle Resort
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
DAY 04
FULL DAY JUNGLE ACTIVITIES AT CHITWAN
For 2 nights the guests are provided with full jungle activities starting after lunch on day 1st and
full day on 2nd day. The activities includes jungle tour on Elephant back, visit Elephant breeding
camp, bird watching, jungle walk, cultural visit to Tharu village, canoe ride in search of different
crocodile like marsh-muggers & Ghariyal, and the day ends with the dance performance by Tharu
Tribe. So on first day the program will be briefed in the lunch table.
Overnight: Hotel in Chitwan Jungle Resort
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
DAY 05
DRIVE TO POKHARA (180 Km Approx 6 hours of drive).
Some jungle activities early in the morning and after breakfast drive to Pokhara. .
Arrival in Pokhara and check in at the Hotel in Pokhara. After freshening up we visit the Lake
side.
This city of the renowned Gorkha Soldiers is situated at about 180 Km from Chitwan and 200 km
from Kathmandu in a valley beneath the 8000 meters Annapurna massif dominating the skyline to
the north. Pokhara has three beautiful lakes - Phewa Tal, Begnas Tal and Rupa Tal. The view of
the Phewa Lake against the backdrop of perfectly shaped Machapuchere Range (the Fishtail
Mountain) is the popular landmark of Pokhara.
Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara.
Included Meals: Breakfast.
DAY 06
EXCURSION TRIP TO SARANGKOT
EARLY MORNING EXCURSION TO SARANGKOT HEIGHT AND POKHARA VALLEY TOUR
Early Morning Tour: The most stunning of Pokhara’s sights is the spectacular
panorama of Annapurna Ranges - Annapurna I to Annapurna IV - of which Annapurna I
(8091 m) is the highest. A drive to Sarankot Height offers you a chance to enjoy this
scenic grandeur especially attractive during sunrise.
For those willing to experience an introductory hike in the Nepal Himalayas can continue
to take a 45minutes hike uphill to a superb vantage point at the top of Sarankot Height
(1592m).
More adventures may also give a shot at Paragliding or a Zip Line adventure drop from
Sarankot.
Drive back to the hotel for breakfast.
PM. Visit some interesting places of interest and explore around the lake side.
Visit Devin’s Fall. Legend has it that a trekker named Devin was killed in the fall hence
the foreign name of the fall also locally know as Patele Chhango ( hell’s fall).
The Seti Gandaki River flows right through the city and completely underground at
places. The river appears hardly two meters wide at certain points but its depth is
amazingly over 20 meters. The powerful flow of this river has cut a deep gorge, which
can be seen from the Mahendra Bridge.
A stroll through the old Pokhara bazaar takes you to the important shrine – Bindayabashini
Temple, dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati, yet another manifestation of Shakti (power).
Optional Suggestion: Later in the day you can relax in a boat ride on the beautiful Phewa Lake
and also visit to the island like temple – Barahi Temple - dedicated to the boar manifestation of
Ajima- protector deity representing the female force “Shakti”. Devotees can be seen especially
on Saturdays. Male animals and fowl are sacrificed to the deity. A picture taken during a boat ride
with the refection of the artistic Fishtail Mountain in the lake and the beautiful mountain rising
above the Lake in the backdrop will guarantee you a best photography award anywhere.
Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara
Included Meals: Breakfast.
DAY 07
FLY POKHARA TO KATHMANDU .
Breakfast in the hotel and transfer to Airport to catch your flight to Kathmandu.
On arrival, receive and transfer to your hotel.
Rest day is free for an optional city tour or to relax and prepare for your trip to Tibet the next day.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Included Meals: Breakfast.
Day 08
FLY TO GONGGAR AIRPORT AND DRIVE TO TSEDANG (3,400 m)
Early morning transfer to the airport for an hour and ten minutes of the most spectacular trans
Himalayan flights in the world. You get to see 8 of the highest summits in the world that exceed
8000 meters, all on this single flight. On arrival , you will be received by our partner in Tibet. The
drive To Tsedang takes about 2 hours of very pleasant and scenic drive along side the Tsangpo
River also popularly know as the Holy Brahmaputra River which flows through to India.
We will make a stop at Mindrolin Monastery for a short visit.
MINDROLING: It is one of the largest and most important Nyingmapa monasteries in Central
Tibet. Founded in the 17th century, it became a center of learning where officials of the lay
government in Lhasa would traditionally be sent to study.
TSEDANG: Tsedang is situated 170 Km southeast of Lhasa in the Yarlung Valley along the
banks of the Tsangpo River (Brahmaputra), the cradle of Tibetan civilization. This region
abounds in important historical landmarks such as Samye, Yumbulakhhang, Chonggye,
Mindroling and others.
TANDRUK : IT IS ONE OF THE PRINCIPLE SHRINES OF THE Yarlung Valley.
Tandruk was built in 7th Century as a small scale copy of the Jorkhang in Lhasa. It was
built by Songtenganppo to subdue Tibet’s mighty She-demond.
Overnight: Hotel in Tsedang.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 09
FULL DAY TOUR OF YARLUNG VALLEY
Full-day tour to YAMBULHARKHANG and TRADUK.
YUMBULAKHANG: Situated about 12 km south of Tsedang, it is the first palace built by the
Tibetans for their first recorded King Nyatri Tsenpo, who is believed to have descended from
heaven. It is a 5 storey fortress-like dwelling built on the spur of a hill that commands an
impressive view of the entire fertile valley. It was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution and
the present structure is an exact replica of the original rebuilt in 1982.
Overnight: Hotel in Tsedang
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 10
DRIVE TO LHASA WITH A VISIT TO SAMYE MONASTERY
After Breakfast, drive to the ferry point along side Tsangpo River. An hour of ferry ride across
the river and drive to Samye Monastery. Visit Samye Monastery in the evening.
SAMYE: Samye Monastery lies across the Tsangpo River, about 40 Km to the west of Tsedang.
It is the first monastery built by King Trisong Detsen in the latter part of the 8th century. Samye
Monastery combines 3 distinctive architectural styles: that of India, China and Tibet symbolizing
the source, stability and spread of the Buddhist faith. With the building of this monastery, the
community of monks began.
Time permitting it is very interesting to climb up to the top of Harpuri Hill for a superb view of
the Samye Monastery. In the late afternoon drive back to Lhasa and check in at the hotel.
Overnight: Hotel in Lhasa
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 11
FULL DAY TOUR IN LHASA
Visit POTALA PALACE, JOKHANG TEMPLE and BARKHOR MARKET place.
If you are picturing Tibet, chances are you picture the Potala palace, and today you will visit this
World Heritage Site. Stroll through its 13 stories that houses 1000 rooms, and see what remains
of its antiquities.
POTALA PALACE: This legendary palace built atop a single hill is synonymous with Tibet.
First built in the 7th century as a fortress by Tibet's foremost king, Songtsen Gampo. It was
expanded to its present state by the 5th Dalai Lama in the 17th century. This 13 storied, 1000
room citadel served as the headquarters of the former "Church-state' of Tibet and was home to
successive Dalai Lamas who, from the latter half of the 18th century, used it as their Winter
Palace.
In the afternoon you will take your visit to the Jorkhang Temple, the spiritual center of the
country.
THE JOKHANG TEMPLE: Situated in the heart of old Lhasa, The Jhokhang houses Tibet's
most precious religious relic, a golden Shakyamuni Buddha, which was brought as a gift by the
Chinese Princess Wen Cheng on the occasion of her wedding to the Tibetan King, Songtsen
Gampo. Surrounding the Jokhang Temple is the bustling Barkhor market place, which is the
religious and social focus of Lhasa.
Overnight: Hotel in Lhasa
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 12
FULL DAY TOUR IN LHASA
Visit SERA MONASTERY and DREPUNG MONASTERY.
SERA MONASTERY:
This morning, visit the nearby Sera Monastery, noted for its theological debates. The monks grill
each other on the esoteric minutiae of sacred texts. If a monk answers incorrectly, the other clap
and the sound reverberates throughout the chamber. It is good-natured, boisterous fun.
DREPUNG MONASTERY: Said to be the largest monastery in the world housing over 10,000
monks, it was founded in 1416 by the disciple of Je Tsonkhapa, founder of the yellow hat
Gelukpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The Second, Third and Fourth Dalai Lamas lived and were
entombed here. Drepung in Tibetan means 'rice-mound'
Overnight: Hotel in Lhasa
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 13
DRIVE LHASA (3,650 m) – GYANGTSE (3,950 m) –261 Km
GYANGTSE: Gyangtse is a pastoral town between Lhasa and Shigatse. It is 264 Km southwest
of Lhasa. It still retains the charm of a traditional Tibetan town untouched by modern expansion.
It made world headlines in 1904 when Colonel Younghusband, who led a British Expedition to
Tibet, defeated the Tibetan army there. As a crossroad on the principle trade route to India, it used
to be renowned for the excellence of its carpets. The compound, encircled by an impressive wall,
once contained 19 monasteries, presided over by the still intact fortress perched atop a nearby
mountain.
It takes 8 hours to drive from Lhasa to Gyangtse. From Lhasa drive through hard top road to the
Yarlung Tsangpo ( Brahamaputra River) and then about two hours of twist and turn climb to the
Kampa la pass(4,794m) where we stop to enjoy the spectacular view of the Lhasa valley to the
north and the clear blue Yamdrok Tso (Turquoise Lake) to the south. A beautiful drive down hill
and along side the Turquoise lake is most rewarding. The drive further on crosses the Karo La
(5,010m) and continues between two lofty mountains, Norzin Khang Sa(7,223m) and Ralung
(6,236m). Look out for Nozin Kang's big hanging glacier on the right side about 300 meters
away. After this thrilling drive we continue further on to Gyangtse
Explore around the old town in the evening.
Overnight: Hotel in Gyangtse
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 14
DRIVE GYANGTSE - XIGATSE (3,900 M) - about 90 Kms
In the morning after breakfast visit PHALKOR MONASTERY & KUMBUM STUPA
KUMBUM: Kumbum is one of the most unique and magnificent buildings in Tibet and is six
storied, complete with a Buddhist Hall and a prayer hall. It has 112 chapels and its walls are
adorned with religious paintings. Built in the 15th century, it has withstood all the battle and
revolutions since.
THE PELKHOR: Located near the Kumbum, it was founded in the 15th century. It has been
remarkably well preserved and many of the statues and paintings inside it date back to the time of
its founding.
It is also very rewarding to explore to the top of the Gyangtse fortress for a great view of
Gyangtse. You are normally asked to pay extra entrance fee to visit the fort.
After the tour, a short and pleasant drive of about 2 to 3 hours brings us to Shigatse. Shigatse is
the second largest town in Tibet and the capital of Tsang, lying 354 km west of Lhasa at an
altitude of 3,810 m.
While driving towards Xigatse, we can also make a short visit to Shalu Monastery.
SHALU MONASTERY: Shalu is 19km southeast of Shigatse. It was famous as a tantric school
where yogic practices were taught and perfected. The architectural style of Shalu is uniquely
Chinese. After the tour continue on to Xigatse.
PM. Visit Tashilumpo Monastery.
TASHILHUNPO: Founded in 1474 by the first Dalai Lama. This monastery is the seat of the
Panchen Lama who is second to the Dalai Lama in Tibetan Buddhist hierarchy. The 5th Dalai
Lama declared that his teacher, then the Abbot of Tashilhunpo, was a manifestation of the
Buddha Amitabha and the fourth in line of incarnate Lamas who would henceforth be referred to
by the title of Panchen Rinpoche. Tashilhunpo has one of the world's largest statues a 9-storied
gilded bronze statue of Maitreya, the future Buddha.
Overnight: Hotel in Xigatse
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 15
DRIVE TO XIGAR (4342 m) - 244 Km with a visit to sakya Monastery.
This morning depart Shigatse and drive to Xigar. Half way through, we make a D- tour to the
Sakya Monastery.
SAKYA MONASTERY: Sakya lies 143 km to the South-west of Shigatse. Sakya Monastery,
the center of the Sakya order of Tibetan Buddhism, was founded in 1073 by Konchok Gyalpo. Its
walls were painted in red, white and grey strips, which represent Manjushri, Avalokiteshvara and
Vajrapani respectively. During the rule of the Sakyapas the Priest-Patron relationship between
Tibet and China was established. Sakyapa rules reigned over Tibet for nearly a hundred year from
13-14th century. Many of its priceless images, frescos, statues and holy scriptures that remain
date back to the time of its founding.
The drive continues passing through Lhatse. Lhatse is essentially a truck stop, while Xegar, also
known as New Tingri, houses the ruins of Shegar Dzong- the Crystal Fortress- once the capital of
the Tingri region.
Xigar is the gate way to and Everest base Camp and Rongbuk Monastery On a clear day Mt.
Everest can also be seen from Xigar.
Xigar is about a 7-hour drive crossing over a 5,220 meters height pass.
Overnight: Hotel in Xigar
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 16
DRIVE XIGAR – ZHANGMU –244 Km
Another long drive of about 8 hours brings you to the boarder town between Nepal and Tibet. The
drive climbs to a spectacular high pass called Lalung Leh (5050 m) from where a very long range
of mountains may be visible - Langtang (7,245 m), Xixapangma (8,013 m) and Dorje Lakpa
(6,980 m) in the west. And in the east, Makalu (8,463 m), Everest (8,848 m), Lhotse (8,516 m),
Cho Oyu (8,201 m) and Gauri Shanker (7,134 m). So five peaks of more than 8000 meters high
can be seen. Drive further on to Nielamu Pass (3,800 m) there are spectacular views of the Jugal
Himal. Time permitting also visit the Milarapa cave. The road further on follows the deep valley
of the Bhote Kosi on a spectacular road with lots of water falls and a deep gorge on the right side
till we reach Zhangmu. Zhangmu is a small and not so pleasant town built along the narrow
mountain road that descends to the Nepal Tibet boarder.
Overnight: Hotel in Zhangmu
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 17
DRIVE TO FRIENDSHIP BRIDE AND ON TO DHULIKHEL (95 Km)
After boarder formalities, drive on to the friendship bridge where you will be met by our
representative who will help you with the immigration before we drive on to Dhulikhel Hill resort
for the overnight.
It should be noted that there may be a 530m walk down to the Friendship Bridge and the Kodari
Boarder in Nepal from Zhangmu if the road is closed due to heavy rains or landslides.
Overnight: Hotel in Dhulikhel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 18
DRIVE TO KATHMANDU – 30 Km.
After breakfast, 45 minutes of pleasant countryside drive to your hotel in Kathmandu.
Rest of the day is free to explore around for your last day of souvenir hunt. In the Evening a
farewell dinner will be hosted in a restaurant in town.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandy
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 19
DEPARTURE TRANSFER.
Free till departure transfer to the airport to connect with the onward flight. Meals: breakfast.