✓ Return international airfares with a full-service airline
✓ Economy class flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa
✓ All airport and hotel transfers
✓ 12 nights in comfortable accommodation
✓ Daily breakfast
✓ Fully escorted by professional, expert English-speaking guides
✓ Tibet Travel Permit, briefing by Tibet expert, information and gift pack
✓ Incredible sightseeing as you journey through diverse landscapes surrounded by awe-inspiring peaks
✓ Admission to all major monuments and attractions as per the itinerary, including several UNESCO World Heritage Sites like majestic Potala Palace and magnificent Pashupatinath Temple
✓ Dedicated coach transportation
✓ 24/7 customer service and your own Dedicated Support Agent
It’s time to discover the cultural and spiritual significance of legendary Nepal and mysterious Tibet. You’ll see imposing palaces, spectacular monasteries, breathtaking landscapes and towering mountains. Adventure and heritage collide for a vibrant experience from Kathmandu to Lhasa, then traverse the famed Friendship Highway through this land of extraordinary natural beauty.
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“The very basic core of a man's living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.” - Christopher McCandless
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Welcome to Nepal! You’ll be met at the airport and taken to your hotel.
Please note - some flights may depart the day before.
Check in: Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day from as early as 6am through to late evening. If arriving prior to the standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.
After breakfast, we’ll tour Kathmandu and Patan Durbar Square, the historic heart of the city.
We’ll start the day’s sightseeing with Kumari Bahal, the temple of the living goddess. This distinctive red building is richly decorated with beautiful wood carvings. It’s home to the Royal Kumari of Kathmandu, a child selected to be the living goddess of the town, a manifestation of the divine female energy.
We’ll then visit nearby Hanuman Dhoka, the former royal palace. The Nasal Chok courtyard was the coronation site of the Shah kings and the surrounding buildings have some of the finest wood carvings you’ll see anywhere.
Jagannath Temple, the oldest in the area, dates back to the 16th century. The steps are carved with inscriptions in various languages and the temple is known for its erotic carvings on the roof struts.
We’ll then visit the nearby Hindu temple of Taleju Temple, in the northern section of Durbar Square. It’s dedicated to the patron deity of the former royal family, the wrathful Taleju Bhawanu. This grand, three-storey temple sits behind a large walled enclosure. It’s only opened up for one day every year during the Dashain Festival.
The famous hilltop Buddhist temple of Swayambhunath requires a tiring walk up 365 stone steps but you’ll be in good company – hundreds of monkeys live here and roam around the temple premises. It’s believed they are holy. This UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooks the sprawling Kathmandu Valley.
In the afternoon, we’ll visit Lalitpur (historically known as Patan), the city of artisans. It’s a fine arts paradise, known for its rich cultural heritage. There are 136 bahals or courtyards and 55 major temples, most of which are in the vicinity of the Durbar Square (royal square).
When Nepal was split into three kingdoms – Bhaktapur, Patan and Basantapur (Kathmandu) – each had its own Durbar Square. All three Durbar Squares in Kathmandu Valley are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
We’ll explore Patan’s lively Durbar Square, a fascinating architectural landscape in the Newar style where you’ll see Buddhist monuments, Hindu temples and fine wood and stone carvings. We’ll wander the former royal palace complex, with a series of three beautiful main courtyards.
After breakfast we’ll take a guided tour of Bhaktapur Durbar Square, an ancient heritage city. Once the royal palace of the old Bhaktapur Kingdom, this Durbar Square is the best preserved.
The art and architecture here are spectacular, shining examples of the skills of Newari artists and craftsmen over several centuries. The Palace of 55 Windows, in the centre of the square, was built around nine courtyards that link together. The exterior is beautiful, with elaborate wooden window frames and hand-carved wooden columns. It was home to royalty until the 18th century and is now a national gallery.
The ornate palace entrance gate – Golden Gate, known as Sunko Dhoka in Nepali – leads to the first courtyard of the palace. It’s culturally important and is regarded as one of Nepal’s greatest pieces of art.
Later, we’ll have a sightseeing tour of the UNESCO-listed hilltop temple Changu Narayan, on the edge of a long ridge that runs into the valley. Said to be the oldest temple in the valley, this lavishly-decorated two-tiered temple was rebuilt after a fire in 1702. It stands in a spacious courtyard, dotted with stone sculptures from the fourth to ninth centuries. This ancient Hindu temple is dedicated to Vishnu, the god of preservation.
Discover Kathmandu like a local as you explore the tourist heart of the city, the colourful neighbourhood of Thamel. Sit back and relax as your cycle rickshaw is expertly navigated through the buzzing backstreets and atmospheric laneways of this energetic Nepali capital. The streets here are lined with shops selling everything from pashminas to pastries – soak up the hive of activity as you zip through this popular part of town. Take in the stunning sunset views, silhouetted temples and the atmosphere of a lively Kathmandu evening.
This morning we’ll visit another UNESCO-listed gem, Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. One of the most imposing landmarks of Kathmandu, this ancient stupa is built on a massive three-level, mandala-style platform. It dominates the skyline. This famed pilgrimage site is believed to date back to the fifth century. Surrounding the stupa are six major monasteries and a host of smaller ones, as well as cafes, restaurants and shops selling Tibetan carpets and Newari silverware.
We’ll then see magnificent Pashupatinath Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The oldest Hindu temple complex in Nepal, it’s regarded as the most sacred of all Shiva temples. Located on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River, its astonishing architectural beauty has to be seen to be believed. There are a variety of temple designs and an array of statues and sculptures around the vast complex, an area that includes 518 temples and monuments.
Ever dreamt of getting up close to iconic, awe-inspiring Mount Everest? It’s the world’s highest peak at 8,848 metres – you’ll feel on top of the world during this scenic flight. For an hour, you’ll enjoy the magnificent Himalayas with narration from your pilot.
This flight is weather dependent.
After breakfast, you’ll be taken to the airport to board your flight to Lhasa. During the flight you’ll take in awe-inspiring views of Mount Everest and the Himalayas.
You’ll be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel to relax.
Tibet is known as the ‘Roof of the World’ for its towering peaks, including famed Mount Everest. The average altitude on the Tibetan Plateau exceeds 4,500 metres! After checking in at your hotel, you’re advised to rest, drink plenty of fluids and let your body acclimatise.
In the afternoon, if you feel up to it, take a light walk around the hotel area to see some of the sights.
Experience traditional Nepali culture and home life in Bhaktapur – a land of vibrant culture, colourful festivals, generations-old craftsmanship and rich traditions. You’ll enjoy lunch with locals in their well-preserved home, with authentic dining and traditional hospitality.
After breakfast, you’ll be briefed on the day’s program in the old city, Lhasa – your guided tour today will take you to Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery and Barkhor Market.
We’ll start with the most sacred temple in all of Tibet, the geomantic seventh-century Jokhang Temple. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tibet’s spiritual heart is a revered pilgrimage destination. It was founded by Nepalese princess Queen Bhrikuti (married to King Songtsen Gampo) and in recognition, the main gate of the temple faces west towards Nepal. The many chapels surrounding the temple are impressive.
We’ll visit Sera Monastery, founded in 1419. In a very pretty and charming spot at the base of Mount Purbuchok, this was an important centre for learning – approximately 5,000 to 6,000 monks used to reside here. These days, about 550 monks live here. The complex includes Coqen Hall, the main assembly hall, three colleges and 33 dormitories. The most intriguing feature is the six-metre-high image of Maitreya, erected in 1419. Here, you can witness the practising of debate among the monks, pitching their knowledge against each other.
Finally, we’ll shop in town at Barkhor Market, a popular bazaar in the heart of old Lhasa. Here you’ll find Tibetan handicraft items, Buddhist artefacts, carpets and paintings for sale.
Today, we’ll start with majestic Potala Palace, the winter palace of the Dalai Lamas until 1959. It’s an iconic landmark, surely the best-known building in Tibet. This imposing, fortress-like structure dominates the landscape of Lhasa. Rising above 117 metres high, it houses 10,000 shrines, over 200,000 images and about 1000 rooms. You’ll see Tibetan art at its best as you are guided through the ancient chambers of the palace; with a vast array of intricate Tibetan murals and beautiful statues. You’ll also see the tombs of the eight Dalai Lamas.
We’ll visit Drepung Monastery, one of the three great Gelukpa monasteries near Lhasa. Founded in 1416, for centuries it existed as a small monastic township housing thousands of fully ordained monks. Until the occupation, it was a centre for learning and monastic training for monks who came from all over Tibet to study and debate the meaning of the Buddhist scriptures.
It’s an early start to begin the unforgettable journey along the Friendship Highway, a scenic route that connects the capital of Tibet with China and Nepal. This spectacular drive traverses high mountain passes and vividly coloured lakes as it dips, curves, climbs and descends.
We’ll head southwest along the Friendship Highway towards the 4,970-metre Khamba La pass. We’ll stop to savour the views of sacred Lake Yamdrok and Mount Noijin Kangsang, a 7,191-metre snow-capped summit that rises majestically behind the lake.
We’ll continue through the Karo La pass – 5,045 metres high – to Gyantse, a historic Nyantg Chu valley town nestled at the foot of a 14th-century walled fortress. We’ll visit the Pelkor Chode Monastery complex, which includes the Gyantse Kumbum.
Built in the 15th century by a prince of Gyantse, this large golden-domed stupa is the most revered in Tibet. Walking along the pathway flanked by golden prayer wheels leading to the temple is a serene experience. The Kumbum houses many small chapels decorated with an impressive array of Tibetan Buddhist murals.
We’ll head back to the Friendship Highway today to head to Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet. On the way we’ll visit the Shalu Monastery, a 1000-year-old retreat that was once one of the most prestigious monasteries for learning. Here you’ll find a distinctive architectural style, a blend of Han and Tibetan styles. There are impressive frescoes, scriptures and historic relics, including a 700-year-old sutra board.
We’ll visit the famous Tashilhunpo Monastery, founded by the First Dalai Lama in 1447. The white, red and black exterior walls and the golden roofs make for a striking landscape. 39 chapels are behind its high walls, including the impressive, huge gilded Maitreya Chapel. This is the residence of the Panchen Lama, second in rank to the Dalai Lama. In its heyday, it housed over 4,000 monks.
We’ll then visit colourful local markets for a spot of shopping.
Our journey to Shegar takes about seven hours and we’ll cross one of the road’s highest passes, Gyatso La, at an elevation of 5,220 metres above sea level. You’ll savour lovely mountain views, along with Everest in the distance.
We’ll drive past the small town of Lhatse, at the turning point of the highway.
As the route opens into plains, you’ll see monasteries and camps of nomadic herders on the landscape.
We’ll stay at Shegar for the night.
We’ll drive along Lake Paiku and go through another high pass on the way to the Nepalese border town of Kyirong. It’s surrounded by stunning alpine scenery and imposing peaks.
After breakfast, we’ll head to the border and immigration point to cross into Nepal by foot. You’ll meet your Nepali representative and after immigration formalities, drive to Kathmandu.
It’s an interesting drive, a combination of dirt and paved road along the Langtang National Park, passing through the smaller towns of Syabrubesi and Dunche before reaching the main highway to head to Kathmandu.
On arrival the rest of the day is at leisure to keep exploring this bustling city.
Enjoy one last delicious breakfast this morning, before your adventure comes to an end. After checking out of your hotel, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this extraordinary journey.
Check out: Passengers will be departing at various times throughout the day. Standard hotel check-out times will apply no matter what time your flight is scheduled to depart. Check-out time is generally anywhere from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at the hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or, alternatively, please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. Please note this service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost. Your tour guide (or hotel staff) will confirm the time of your airport transfer with you directly.
Arrive home today. We hope you've been inspired.
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