Nepal Bhutan Tibet Tour

Rise and shine! Enjoy your breakfast. Today, we will have a full day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu. All these sites will be the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

We begin our tour from Kathmandu Durbar Square. Listed by the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kathmandu Durbar Square has gradually been fascinating spot since decades for all visitors. We, then proceed towards Swayambhunath, which is to the west of the city. Swayambhunath Stupa located at hill-top, with fabulous views of Kathmandu city, green hills that surround the valley and High Mountains. Swayambhunath, one of the oldest historical sites listed in the World Heritage, of more than 2,500 years old Buddhist religion.

Next, we drive to Pashupatinath Temple-the largest temple complex in Nepal and biggest Hindu temple in the World. The temple is situated on the banks of Bagmati river and is one of the main temples of Lord Shiva.

Finally, we will hit the north road, heading for Boudhanath Stupa, a few minutes driving. Boudhanath is one of the largest Stupas in South Asia which was built on the ancient trade route to Tibet. 
Overnight in Kathmandu.

• Meals: Breakfast.
• Accommodation: Three Star Hotel.
• Location: Kathmandu.

Today, we will be flying to Paro International Airport, Bhutan. An hour-long flight, approximately!

Breakfast in the morning at the hotel. We pack our luggage and get ready for check-out from the hotel. We will be picked up from our hotel and dropped off at the airport for our Paro flight. Enjoy the flight with amazing views especially the Eastern part of the Himalayas including Everest as well.

Arrive at Paro International Airport and after clearing immigration and custom clearance, we will be picked up by our guide and driver outside the terminal building and transfer to Thimphu, around 54km is about 1-hour drive. Meet and greet with our hotel representative after arrival and check-in and get refreshed with some rest. In the evening, enjoy walking around in the streets of Thimphu and get acquainted with the local lifestyle a bit.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

• Meals: Breakfast , Lunch and Dinner.
• Accommodation: Three Star Hotel.
• Location: Thimphu.

Our Bhutan tour begins from today for next few days. All these tours will be overland.

This morning after breakfast at the hotel, we drive to Tashichho Dzong, the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot, housing most of the Government’s office and also the room for King’s Throne.
Next visit will be at National Library, where we can find a massive collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts. Our tour continues towards Arts & Crafts School visit to watch the student’s impressive work of traditional Thangkha paintings over fabrics. Textile and Folk Heritage Museums is another spot we will visit and get to know about the traditional Bhutanese life and culture. Next visit will be at Handicrafts Emporium, where we will find those attractive hand-woven and crafted materials produced by the locals.

Out next destination will be at Memorial Chorten, built in the memory of The Third King and Father of Modern Bhutan- King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. We then, head towards Punakha. First, we will visit Dochula Chorten (3,080m) and next Wangdue Phodrang, both of them are on the way to Punakha.
Back to hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Punakha.

• Meals: Breakfast , Lunch and Dinner.
• Accommodation: Three Star Hotel.
• Location: Punakha.

Today, we will drive back to Paro. However, while tracing the road back, we will visit few beautiful places- all of them en route to Paro.

After breakfast, at first, we will drive to Punakha Dzong. This Dzong was built in 1637 on a stretch of land where two rivers, the Phochhu and the Mochhu converge, Punakha Dzong appears as a great anchored ship. It is known to be the second oldest and the second largest Dzong in Bhutan. It was named as “Pungthang Dechen Phodrang Dzong”, which means ‘the palace of great bliss or happiness’. At the Punakha Dzong, Bhutan’s first king (Gongsa Ugyen Wangchuck) was crowned in 1907. Punakha was the first capital of Bhutan and the dzong served as the center of the government.
Next, we continue drive to Wangdue Phodrang, popular for bamboo products, stone and slate carvings, etc. We will visit Dzong and scan through the local market.

After lunch at Wangdue, we will hit the road for Dochula Pass and have a brief layover. Next, we will visit Simtokha Dzong which is on the way right below to the South of Thimphu. Simtokha Dzong is means- on the top of a demon, as the name suggests it was built to safe guard the traveler by overcoming to an evil spirit in the region. The Dzong was built in 1627, with unique 12 sides, inside it holds numerous idols, statues and carved detail paintings of different Buddhas, deities and figures of Buddhist religions, including The Eight Manifestations for Buddhist studies.

Finally, we will continue drive to Paro. Arrive at Paro hotel and get refreshed and some rest.
Our dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Paro.

• Meals: Breakfast , Lunch and Dinner.
• Accommodation: Three Star Hotel.
• Location: Paro.

Today, we will hike to Taktsang Palphug Monastery- the renowned monastery of Bhutan, as “Tiger lair” or “Tiger’s Nest”, monastery with caves standing at 3,180m at the edge of a steep cliff (900m above Paro valley), where Guru Rinpoche (the spiritual master) mediated in the cave. To reach Taktsang, it takes around 3-5-hours hike, depending upon our pace.In the later trip, we will visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum of the Kingdom, which holds the collection of impressive art and artifacts, beautiful thangkha paintings and Nation’s postage stamps. The dzong was built in 1967 as a Watch Tower.After, Ta Dzong, we will hike down the trail towards Rinpung Dzong, widely known as Paro Dzong, the name suggests literal translated meaning for “Fortress on a Heap of Jewels “ as it covers the large collection of treasured buildings built with an architecture in style, the courtyards, temples, offices and accommodating area, all surrounded by its towering walls. Rinpung/Paro Dzong is located on bank of Paro Chuu which is merely at a distance of 3km from the town of Paro and 10km from the Paro International Airport.

Our dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Paro.

• Meals: Breakfast , Lunch and Dinner.
• Accommodation: Three Star Hotel.
• Location: Paro.

Upon our arrival in Kathmandu, we will be picked up from the Kathmandu airport. On the way to hotel, we will visit Pashupatinath, the biggest and holiest Hindu Temple in the World, preserved as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, a few minutes’ drive to the North is Boudhanath, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also the biggest Buddha Stupa in the Asia. We then, head back to our hotel, get checked-in and get refreshed with some rest. Evening is a leisure, we can go shopping, find souvenirs or hunt for unique food or the cultural one- upon your choice of taste, or stroll around the streets of the city.

Our dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel in Kathmandu.

• Meals: Breakfast.
• Accommodation: Three Star Hotel.
• Location: Kathmandu.

Today, we will start our adventurous and scenic tour outside Kathmandu. After breakfast at the hotel, we will drive to Sauraha (Chitwan) around 4-5 hours driving. Arrive at Sauraha, meet and greet with our hotel representative and check-in at the hotel. Get refreshed and some rest.

In the late afternoon/evening, we will walk/drive around the Tharu village. Before sunset we will arrive at the bank of Rapti River to enjoy beautiful and tranquil sunset. Night show will be at Tharu Culture House, Sauraha. Back to hotel and dinner.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Sauraha.

• Meals: Breakfast.
• Accommodation: Three Star Hotel.
• Location: Sauraha.

Today is going to an adventurous day. After breakfast in the morning, we will head for Elephant Back Safari. The Safari ride will be inside the Chitwan National Park jungle. Next, we will head towards Elephant breeding center. And finally, our adventure will be on a canoe ride along the Rapti river into the jungle and villages. We will get a chance to see different species of wild and marine animals and birds.

Head back to the hotel and have some rest. In the evening, we can go walk around the Rapti river for another beautiful sunset again.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Sauraha.

• Meals: Breakfast.
• Location: Sauraha.

This morning after breakfast, we will drive to Pokhara which is to the north of Chitwan. The drive will take approximately 4 hours to reach Pokhara. On the way to hotel, we will visit International Mountain Museum at Pokhara or visit after check-in and refreshment. In the evening, we will have a walk around the bank of Fewa Lake.

Overnight at the hotel in Pokhara.

• Meals: Breakfast.
• Accommodation: Three Star Hotel.
• Location: Pokhara.

Early morning, we will drive to a beautiful hill station called Sarangkot, from where Paragliding over Pokhara takes off. From the top, we will enjoy the stunning sunrise over the distant horizon and the sun-kissed Annapurna Himalayas to the North. From Sarangkot, we head towards Phewa Lake on the base. Breakfast en route. We will take a reserved boat with a professional boatman and head towards the starting point/base of World Peace Stupa for a hike. We will leave the boat and start hiking uphill into the jungle following the stoned trails towards Pagoda. Reach atop and layover while enjoying the mesmerizing view of Annapurna range, Pokhara city, lakes and the outskirts.We then hike down towards Devi’s fall, 1 hour. Visit Davi’s fall. 

Overnight in Pokhara.

• Meals: Breakfast.
• Accommodation: Three Star Hotel.
• Location: Pokhara.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, we will take a flight to head back to Kathmandu. It’s just a 30 mins. flight. Or we can choose to drive along the highway to Kathmandu. This drive takes 5-6 hours.We arrive at Kathmandu and check-in at the hotel and some rest.Later, we will have a briefing about our Tibet tour. We will get all our required documents rechecked and keep them safe and handy for the next day.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

• Meals: Breakfast.
• Accommodation: Three Star Hotel.
• Location: Kathmandu.

After breakfast, we will start our morning scenic drive from Kathmandu to Kyirong (Nepal-Tibet) border traversing through Nepalese countryside gorges, waterfalls, forests, landmarks, etc. Upon arrival at the border, our guide will carry out all the necessary immigration formalities in both Nepalese and Tibet borders. After formalities being done, we will head towards Kyirong town (20Km) and check-in at the hotel. Get refreshed and some rest. We will have a brief street walk outside the hotel in the evening.

Overnight in Kyirong town.

• Meals: Breakfast.
• Accommodation: Three Star Hotel.
• Location: Kyirong town.

Today, after breakfast, journey to New Tingri (Shegar) will begin with a drive. We will pass by the most sacred cave of Milarepa Yogi which dates back to the 11th century and also the birth place of Milarepa. Continue drive through Gongthang La Pass at the elevation of over 5000m. Then drive along Pekutso lake and continue to Old Tingri at the distance of around 100Km from Pekutso. The scenery is extremely beautiful with Shisha Bangma snow mountain on the right and Pekutso on the left. During pleasant weather, one can enjoy the view of Mt. Everest on the way to Old Tingri. We continue drive on the friendship highway and reach New Tingri after one-hour. Overnight in New Tingri.

• Meals: Breakfast.
• Accommodation: Three Star Hotel.
• Location: New Tingri.

After breakfast, we will leave Shegar for Rongbuk. After reaching Rongbuk up to where the vehicle can reach/permitted, we will start hike towards EBC (5,200m). We then arrive at the North of the Mt. Everest Base Camp. We will explore EBC and enjoy the beauty of the Majestic Mountain. After exploration, we will hike back to Rongbuk. At Rongbuk, we will saddle up for our long drive back to Shigatse. Arrive at Shigatse and check-in at the hotel and get refreshed and some rest.

After dinner, retire for the night at the hotel in Shigatse.

• Meals: Breakfast.
• Accommodation: Three Star Hotel.
• Location: Shigatse.

Today, we will leave Shigatse for Gyantse. After breakfast, we will first drive to Tashi Lumpo Monastery and drive to Gyantse. In the evening, we will visit Kunbum Stupa and Pelkhor Monastery.

Our dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel in Gyantse.

• Meals: Breakfast.
• Accommodation: Three Star Hotel.
• Location: Gyantse.

Morning breakfast and we will drive to Lhasa, passing through two beautiful passes Karo La (5010m) and Kamba La (4794m). En route, we will also pass through Yamdroke Tsho aka Scorpion Lake.

Arrive at Lhasa and check-in at the hotel and get refreshed with some rest.

Our dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel in Lhasa.

• Meals: Breakfast.
• Accommodation: Three Star Hotel.
• Location: Lhasa.

Today after breakfast, we will enjoy our full day Lhasa tour. We start our tour after picking up from the hotel and drive to Polala Palace. The Potala Palace is known for the winter palace of Dalai Lama, standing at 3,700 m high on the Red Mountain in center of Lhasa valley since the 7th century, later the Fifth Dalai Lama repaired it in 1645. Still Potala Palace preserves some of the most valuable histories- the glided burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas, meditation cave of 33rd great king of Tibet, are few of them.

In the afternoon, we will visit the renowned Jokhang Temple which offers the first glimpse of devout Tibetans. The Jokhang Temple Monastery is a unique Buddhist religious complex and was also founded in the 7th century. The glistering statue of Sakyamuni considered as the Tibetan Buddhism’s rarity is found here. The buildings reveal such an outstanding example of the Tibetan Buddhist style of wooden and stone construction.

Next, we visit the ancient Barkhor Street to witness ancient art and architecture and acquainted with the locals in tea houses.

After the tour, we hit back the road to our hotel and get refreshed.
Our dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel in Lhasa.

• Meals: Breakfast.
• Accommodation: Three Star Hotel.
• Location: Lhasa.

Today after breakfast, we visit the Drepung Monastery, one of the great three Gelug Monasteries of Tibet, founded in 1416 by Jamyang Choge, one of the main Tsongkhapa’s disciples. We then visit to the biggest monastery Kitchen inside the monastery. We will explore the Buddhist Sculpture Carving workshop near Drepung.

Next, we head for Sera Monastery, also one of the great three Gelung monasteries in Tibet. We then make a short visit to the Tibetan religious scripture printing house inside the monastery, where we can witness three sand Mandalas and colorful Rock Painting of Lord Buddha.
After the tour, we head back our hotel and get refreshed.

Our dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel in Lhasa.

• Meals: Breakfast.
• Accommodation: Three Star Hotel.
• Location: Lhasa.

After breakfast, as per our departure time schedule, we will be transferred early to the Lhasa Gonggar International Airport for our return departure to Kathmandu, Nepal.

Upon our arrival in Kathmandu, we will be picked up from the Kathmandu airport and transfer to our hotel. We check-in at the hotel and get refreshed. Today is a leisure day, we can go shopping, find souvenirs or hunt for unique food or the cultural one- upon your choice of taste, or stroll around the streets of the city. We can spend the day we like today.
Our overnight stay will be at the hotel in Kathmandu.

• Meals: Breakfast.
• Accommodation: Three Star Hotel.
• Location: Kathmandu.

Morning breakfast at the hotel. It has come to the end of our exciting Nepal Bhutan Tibet Tour program today. Our representative will take us to the airport, an hour or two before the scheduled flight. So, get our luggage ready for the final departure back home. We greet and bid a farewell for your happy journey back home.
We hope you have a memorable trip. We thank you very much for being with us and letting us be a part of your memories to cheer for.

• Meals: Breakfast.
• Location: Kathmandu.