Shortest Tibet Nepal Bhutan Tour - 8 days

You can enter Lhasa via mainland China or Kathmandu. There are flights and trains available to the old Tibetan capital from some Chinese cities. Kathmandu is the only international hub that is connected to Lhasa by flight. You can send us your arrival details so that our Tibetan representative can pick you up from the point of your arrival. He will drop you at your hotel where you can take a rest. Since you are at high altitude, it's better to let your body adapt to the decreased level of oxygen by resting.

Overnight in Lhasa.

Your sightseeing tour starts after breakfast. You will be met by your guide who will take you to the most impressive site in the city, the Potala Palace. The ancient palace is built on a hill overlooking Lhasa. The palace was built by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. Potala which is made up of the Red Palace and the White Palace was the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas. You can explore the museum, the main assembly hall, and the tombs of the former Dalai Lamas before returning to the city.

The next attraction on your list is the grand Jokhang Temple. This temple is said to be the first shrine built in Lhasa. King Songtsen Gampo built this temple to preserve the precious Buddhist statues and relics that his two queens (Bhrikuti and Wencheng) received as dowry. The most prized treasure of the temple is the sacred statue of Jowo Buddha. Many pilgrims make their way from different parts of Tibet to pay respect to Jowo Buddha at Jokhang. You can see them prostrating multiple times at the entrance of the temple.

Before heading to your hotel, stroll around the busy Barkhor Street. You can shop for souvenirs at the many stalls lining the street.

Overnight in Lhasa.

You will take a drive west of Lhasa and explore the largest monastery in Tibet, Drepung Monastery. Built in 1416 by Jamyang Choje, Drepung used to be the seat of the Dalai Lama before it was moved to Potala Palace. The monastery which stretches over several acres is one of the most important monasteries of the Gelugpa sect. This monastic university is divided into four colleges where monks receive education. You can visit the grand Ganden Palace (the residence of the former Dalai Lamas), the main assembly hall or Tsokchen Lakhang, and some chapels.

Later in the day, you will visit another important Gelugpa monastery, the Sera Monastery. Established in the fifteenth century, the monastery is an important center of learning. The monastery had five colleges but after the turbulent Cultural Revolution that destroyed most parts of the monastery, only three colleges survived. You can visit some of the chapels, the main assembly hall, and the debating courtyard where you will find groups of monks engaged in active debates.

After your tour is over you will return to your hotel.

Overnight in Lhasa.

Our Tibetan agent will drop you off at the Lhasa Gonggar Airport from where you board a flight to Kathmandu. As the airport is located about 62 kilometers from central Lhasa it will take around an hour and a half to reach the airport.

The flight to Kathmandu is filled with mesmerizing views of the Himalayan mountains. From aboard you can enjoy stunning views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Shisapangma, and other snow-covered giants. On reaching Kathmandu you will be met by our guide who will drive you to your hotel. You can check-in and freshen up.

Later you will start your sightseeing tour by visiting Kathmandu Durbar Square. The medieval palace square lies in the middle of the city and is filled with pagoda-roofed temples and palaces. The Hanuman Dhoka Palace Museum, Kumari Bahal or House of the Living Goddess, Taleju Temple, Kaal Bhairav Statue, and Kasthamandap are some of the attractions of the square.

The next stop is the Swoyambhunath Stupa or the Monkey Temple. Located on top of a hill, you will have to climb a series of steps to reach the temple complex. The white-domed stupa is said to have been built by Boddhisattva Manjushri after draining the lake that once filled the valley. According to local legend Swayambhu was the first structure created before the city was established. There is a Buddhist monastery and Hindu temples on the periphery of the stupa. You can savor sweeping views of the city and adjoining hills from the top.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, you will be driven northeast of the city to Boudhanath, one of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world. The massive white stupa was built in the fifth century after the demise of Lord Buddha. It is believed that the remains of the Kasyapa Buddha are buried beneath the stupa. Boudhanath Stupa, with its enormous white dome, golden turret, and stone plinths that rise above the ground is the largest stupa in South Asia. Monasteries, shops, cafes, and art galleries surround this beautiful monument.

Next, you will visit one of the holiest Hindu temples in the world, the Pashupatinath Temple. This ancient temple is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. Non-Hindus are allowed to enter the temple. If you are not a Hindu you can view the temple from the eastern bank of the Bagmati River. The Hindu cremation site of Arya Ghat lies on the other side of the river.

Patan Durbar Square is the last site you will visit today. Built by the Malla kings during the medieval period, Patan Durbar Square is home to several ancient buildings and works of art created by Newari artisans. The Patan Palace Museum, Krishna Temple, Chyasin Dewal, Kwa Bahal or Golden Temple, etc, are some of the attractions of durbar square.

Later you will return to your hotel.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

Today you will fly to the last destination of this trip, Bhutan. After breakfast, you will be driven to the Tribhuvan International Airport from where you catch your flight to Paro. Enjoy stunning views of the Himalayan peaks during the long flight.

Once you arrive in Paro you will be met by our Bhutanese representative who will drive you to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. It's a short drive of about an hour and a half filled with heartwarming views of verdant hillsides, mountains, and traditional Bhutanese houses. On reaching Thimphu you will be driven to your hotel. After a brief rest, you can start your sightseeing tour.

The first attraction you will visit is the National Memorial Chorten, a beautiful white stupa built in memory of Bhutan's third king. Later you will head to the National Institute for Zorig Chusum and observe Bhutanese youngsters learning the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. You end your tour with a drive to the hilltop shrine of Buddha Dordenma. The shrine holds one of the largest statues of Lord Buddha in the world. The gigantic bronze statue rises to a height of 169 feet and holds 125000 tiny statues of Lord Buddha within its cavity. Enjoy a bird's eye view of the city before returning to your hotel.

Overnight in Thimphu.

After spending two days in Thimphu it's time to return to Paro. You make an early start and head towards the city. On reaching Paro you will make your way towards the hill where the Taktsang Monastery sits. On reaching the foot of the hill you will start your hike. The trail weaves past a lush forest of fir, pine, and cedar. Enjoy the cheerful twitter of birds as you make a slow ascent. Stop at intervals to take in the gorgeous views. Pony rides are available for an extra fee if you find the hike too tiring. But do note, the ride is only up to the halfway point after which you will have to continue your journey on foot.

On reaching the Taktsang Cafeteria you can stop for a break and have some refreshments. The monastery looks awesome from the cafeteria. You can take pictures and rest for a while before continuing your hike. After walking for some time you will reach a stone staircase that winds down and up a steep cliff. At the end is the Taktasng Monastery or Tiger's Nest. Visit the cave where Padmasambhava meditated after flying to this spot on the back of a tigress. Spend sometime at this sacred palce before heading down. On reaching the main road you will board the vehicle and drive towards Paro. En route visit the ancient Paro Dzong and Ta Dzong or National Museum.

Overnight in Thimphu.

Today marks the end of the Shortest Tibet Nepal Bhutan Tour. Bid goodbye to Paro and newfound friends. Our Bhutanese representative will drop you at the airport to catch your flight to your next destination. If you want to extend your holiday please do give us a call or drop us a line. We have a vast array of itineraries that might interest you.