Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan Tour - 10 days

To get to Lhasa you have the option to fly into Lhasa or take a train from any of the mainland Chinese cities that shares connectivity with Lhasa. There's also a direct flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa. The train journey will have you traveling aboard the world's highest railway service, the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. The train has oxygen supply systems in all the coaches to make up for the lack of oxygen in the Tibetan plateau. 

On reaching Lhasa, our Tibetan guide will pick you up from your arrival point (Gonggar Airport or the railway station). Please share your arrival details with us so that our guide can pick you up on time. The Gongaar airport lies about 60km away from the main city, while the railway station is 8km away from the city center. 

After picking you up from the designated pickup point, your guide will drop you off at your hotel and help you check in. Since this is your first day, you can spend the rest of the day resting at your hotel. Please make sure not to exert yourself, as it takes time for your body to get used to thin air. Lhasa lies at an elevation of 3650m and there is less oxygen at this height. The hotel has an oxygen lounge offering supplementary oxygen in case you experience breathing difficulties. Try to drink warm water or fluids at regular intervals to keep your body hydrated, as dehydration causes altitude sickness.  

Overnight in Lhasa. 

It's time to start your Lhasa city tour after a restful night in your hotel. Begin with breakfast at your hotel and then join your tour guide to explore this ancient city. You will begin your Lhasa tour with a visit to the most famous landmark in the city, the Potala Palace. The magnificent palace, dating back to the seventh century, dominates the landscape of Lhasa. The palace, which used to be the winter residence of the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetans, is built of rammed earth and is divided into the Red Palace and the White Palace. The palace sits on the Red Hill and can be accessed by climbing more than 1000 steps.

Depending on your speed and pace, it takes about two hours or less to climb to the palace. Take it slow and stop at intervals to catch your breath, as climbing this long staircase at an altitude of 3700 meters is not an easy task.  

After arriving at the Potala Palace, you will follow your guide and visit the Dalai Lama’s apartment, museum, and assembly hall of the monastery. The exhibits at the museum include ancient Buddhist relics, statues of Buddhist deities, scroll paintings, items of the Dalai Lama made of precious stones and metals, and sacred manuscripts. You will also get to view the gilded tombs of the former Dalai Lamas. Once you finish the tour, you will depart from the Potala Palace and descend the stone staircase, enjoying the breathtaking view of Lhasa city.

 On reaching the city square, you will have your lunch at one of the popular restaurants and later continue your sightseeing tour. Next on your Tibet tour itinerary is the Jokhang Temple.  The Jokhang Temple is one of the earliest temples built by the Tibetan Emperor King Songsten Gampo. Dating back to the seventh century, the temple is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site and features a life-size statue of a 12-year-old Lord Buddha and several precious artifacts.

The Jokhang temple lies in the middle of Barkhor Square and is divided into three halls and a large courtyard. One can observe monks and local pilgrims prostrating and praying in the courtyard.  Gigantic statues of Maitreya Buddha and Guru Rinpoche adorn the assembly hall., while chapels of Avalokiteshwara, Medicine Buddha, Tsonghapa, and other deities surround the hall. The precious statue of Jowo Buddha is placed in the rear chapel.  

A rickety wooden staircase leads you to the upper floor. The Dalai Lama's living quarters and a wide terrace from where one can observe the traditional details and artwork on the temple's exterior is on the upper floor.  

After spending time at the Jokhang, you can head to the Barkhor Square and explore the Barkhor market. The market is lined with shops selling handicrafts and souvenir items like scroll paintings, decorative items, hats, clothes, etc. The street will be lined with Tibetan pilgrims prostrating and bowing down in devotion while making their way to the Jokhang Temple. The Barkhor Street is a great place to observe locals and interact with them. After spending an hour or more at the square, it's time to head back to your hotel.  

Overnight in Lhasa.

Today is yet another day of sightseeing. After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, your guide will take you to the outskirts of the city to Drepung Monastery.  

Jamyang Choje built the Drepung Monastery in the fifteenth century and it is considered to be the oldest monastic building in the capital of the Gelug, or Yellow Hat, sect. The Dalai Lama used to live at the Drepung Monastery but his residence was relocated to the Potala Palace by the Fifth Dalai Lama. During the time when Buddhism was thriving in Tibet, about 10,000 monks resided at this monastery.

The large monastery complex houses four colleges, thirty-six houses, and one big assembly hall. There is also the magnificent Ganden Palace, which served as the residence of the second, third, fourth, and fifth Dalai Lamas. The main assembly hall is the most significant and impressive structure within the complex. The assembly hall is a three-story building with a large terrace overlooking the city of Lhasa. The hall houses a huge statue of Maitreya Buddha. It is believed that when you set eyes on the statue, all your sins will be washed away.

 After exploring the monastery, you will have your lunch at one of the local restaurants and head to your next destination, Sera Monastery. Sera Monastery lies at the northern end of the city at the foot of the Pubuchok Mountain. Sakya Yeshe, a student of Tsongkhapa, established this sacred monastery in 1419.

This majestic monastery is renowned for its architectural grandeur as well as its sacred treasures, including ancient manuscripts, Buddhist relics, and paintings. However, the main attraction of Sera Monastery is the lively monk debates, which offer a glimpse into the religious world of these monks. The monastery has three colleges, Sera Me, Sera Je, and Sera Ngagpa, where monks receive higher education. Inside the Sera Je college is the chapel dedicated to Hayagriva, a Buddhist deity who removes obstacles and offers protection from various ailments.  

The Tsokchen, or the assembly hall, which lies on the western side of the monastery, is the largest building inside the complex. The hall has 125 pillars supporting the structure, and the walls of the great hall are decorated with magnificent murals depicting the guardian deities.

There are five chapels inside the hall, decorated with mammoth ceiling-to-floor thangkas. The statues of Sakya Yeshe and the future Buddhas are kept at the altars. A sacred Buddhist manuscript known as Kangyur, which dates back to the fifteenth century, is also stored in this chapel. On the second floor is a sacred statue of the thousand-armed Avalokiteshwara.  

After exploring Sera and witnessing the monks' debate, it's time to head back to your hotel. Have your dinner and relax.  

Overnight in Lhasa.

Bid goodbye to Tibet and head to Nepal. Kathmandu is your next destination, the capital city of the tiny Himalayan nation that has eight of the world's highest mountains. During the flight, you can enjoy stunning views of the Himalayan range, including majestic views of Mount Everest(8848m), Shisapangma(8027m), Cho Oyu(8188m), Makalu(8485m), etc.

After arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be met by our representative, who will be waiting for you at the terminal. He will welcome you and take you to your hotel by private car. No activity is planned for today. If you wish, you can take a stroll in the evening around Thamel, the tourist hub of Kathmandu. It is a lively place filled with souvenir shops, restaurants, and cafes.  

Overnight in Kathmandu. 

After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, you will begin your sightseeing tour. You will be guided to the Pashupatinath Temple, which is considered one of the holiest Shiva temples in the world, by your tour guide. Dating back to 400 CE, the temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Entry is banned for non-Hindus inside the principal sanctum. However, if you are a non-Hindu, you can explore the surrounding area of the Pashupatinath temple complex.

Below the temple is the Hindu cremation site known as Arya Ghat, where corpses are burnt daily beside the Bagmati River as per Hindu rites. Most foreigners prefer to sit on the eastern bank of the river, from where they can view the temple and the cremation ghat. 

Afterwards, you will be driven to the northeastern part of the city to Boudhanath. The gigantic stupa of Boudhanath is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists, especially those who follow Tibetan Buddhism. The stupa is Nepal’s biggest Buddhist stupa and dates back to the fifth century. As per Buddhist legend, the remains of the Kasyapa Buddha are interred under the dome of the stupa.

The stunning white stupa is decorated with prayer flags and a golden cube with a turret.  You can walk around the stupa with the pilgrims and offer your prayers. There’s a monastery close to the stupa from where you can get a good view of the stupa’s white dome. Shops, art galleries, and cafes surround the stupa, and the ambiance is quite lively. 

After spending some time at Boudhanath, you will be driven to Kathmandu or Basantapur Durbar Square, a wide palazzo dotted with royal palaces, pagoda temples, and the House of the Living Goddess. The Durbar Square used to be the seat of power of the Malla kings, who ruled over Kathmandu Valley for hundreds of years. Later, the Shah kings ruled over the country from the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, which lies right in the center of the Kathmandu Durbar Square. 

The last attraction you will visit is the famous Monkey Temple, or Swoyambhunath. The temple is perched on top of a hill overlooking the entire city. The Swoyambhunath is a white dome or stupa topped with a golden turret. The square base of the tower is decorated with the eyes of Amitabha Buddha, who gazes out to the world in compassion. It is believed that Kathmandu was a lake where divine lotuses bloomed before its water was drained by Manjushri, a divine being or Bodhisattva. One of the lotuses turned into a stupa.

That is why the stupa is named Swoyambhu, which means ‘self-created.’ Ancient Hindu shrines and a Buddhist monastery surround the stupa.  After taking pictures and enjoying a panoramic view of the city, you will return to your hotel. 

Overnight in Kathmandu. 

Today, you will visit two medieval kingdoms of the valley—Patan and Bhaktapur. The main attraction in Patan is the Patan Durbar Square, which you will explore. The Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is decorated with beautifully carved stone, wooden, and brick temples and palaces.

The Patan Durbar Square was built by the Malla Kings, who were connoisseurs of art and culture. The pride of the palace square is the intricately carved stone temple known as Krishna Mandir, Chyasin Dewal, the Patan Palace Museum, and the Golden Temple. The Patan Palace Museum holds valuable pieces of sculptures, jewelry, and relics. After exploring the historic palace square, it’s time to visit yet another important cultural landmark, the Bhaktapur Durbar Square. 

Bhaktapur, or Bhadgaon, one of the medieval kingdoms, lies on the eastern end of the valley. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the largest and the best preserved in the valley. There are four squares inside the old city—the Dattatreya Square, the Taumadhi Square, the Palace Square, and the Pottery Square. The first three squares are adorned with ancient pagoda-roofed temples, palaces, and courtyards, while the Pottery Square has the living quarters and shops of the local potters. 

The attractions of the Bhaktapur Durbar Square include the five-tiered pagoda temple of Nyatapole, the Palace of 55 Windows, the Golden Gate, and the National Art Gallery. Bhairavnath Temple, Taleju Temple, etc. Bhaktapur is also renowned for its yogurt, known locally as Juju Dhau (King of Curds). So, while in Bhaktapur, do make sure to taste this delicious curd.  After the sightseeing tour, you will be driven to your hotel, where you can rest.  

Overnight in Kathmandu. 

After breakfast, you will head to the Tribhuvan International Airport and catch a flight bound for Paro, Bhutan. The flight lasts for a little over an hour, and during the flight you can enjoy aerial views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and a host of other snow-capped giants. Since Bhutan is bounded by high mountains, only a trained pilot who has undergone rigorous training and has knowledge of the mountainous terrain can safely fly a plane across this Himalayan nation. This is the reason why no foreign airlines are allowed to enter the Bhutanese airspace. 

Once you arrive in Paro, you will receive a cordial greeting from your Bhutanese guide and driver, who will safely transport you to Thimphu. The ride is short and takes you across a green and serene landscape dotted with pine forests, rivers, and paddy fields. On reaching Thimphu, you will check into your hotel. After lunch, you will begin your sightseeing tour. First, you will visit the Buddha Dordenma statue, which lies on top of a hill overlooking Thimphu City.

The Buddha Dordenma is a massive gilded statue of the sitting Buddha, which was constructed to ward off evil energies and usher in peace and harmony all over the world. The statue, which is fifty-four meters tall, is the biggest Buddha statue in Bhutan. Inside the statue are ensconced 125,000 small statues of Lord Buddha. 

After savoring the sights of Thimphu Valley and taking photos, you will move forward to your next destination, the Royal Takin. Home to Bhutan’s national animal takin, the Royal Takin Preserve has provided sanctuary to seventeen takins that were formerly kept in a mini zoo. The Royal Takin Preserve also has a small population of sambar and barking deer.

Next, you will visit the oldest temple in Thimphu, the Changangkha Lakhang. Built in the twelfth century, this sacred temple overlooks the city from above a high ridge. The guardian deity of the temple, Tamdrin, is known as the protector of children, so parents bring their kids to receive blessings from the deity.

Later, you will be driven back to the city to visit Simply Bhutan, an interactive museum where you get to learn about the history, culture, and traditions of the Bhutanese. At the museum, you will get the opportunity to taste home-brewed local wine and play a round of Dha (traditional archery)) or Kuru (dart). You can also get an insight into how Bhutanese houses are built. Local performers keep you entertained with songs and dances and invite you to join them.  Afterwards, your guide and driver will drop you off at your hotel.  

Overnight in Thimphu. 

Today, you will continue your Thimphu sightseeing and visit the National Memorial Chorten and the National Institute for Zorig Chusum.

The National Memorial Chorten was built to honor the memory of a beloved king who is called 'Father of Modern Bhutan' . The chorten is dedicated to the late Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the third king of Bhutan, who is credited for bringing in modern reforms in the country. 

The Memorial Chorten is shaped like a vase or urn with a golden turret. Each floor of the sparkling white chorten is adorned with images, shrines, statues of Buddhist deities, and photographs of the late king. A grassy lawn and garden surround the chorten, which is a popular place for locals to hang out. 

After exploring the chorten, you will be driven to the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, where you can observe novice artisans learning the 13 traditional arts of Bhutan. You are allowed to enter classes and workshops and observe the artisans at work. Woodcarving, painting, embroidery, metal work, basket-weaving, etc. are some of the arts and crafts taught at this institute. There’s also a gift shop at the institute that sells the products created by the students.

After departing from Thimphu, you will head to Paro. On reaching Paro, your guide will take you to explore the famous Paro Dzong and the National Museum, or Taa Dzong. The stunning traditional fortress of Paro Dzong, also known as Rinpung Dzong, is situated atop a ridge offering stellar views of Paro Valley. The dzong was built in the mid-seventeenth century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the unifier of Bhutan. The fortress houses a monastery and government offices. It hosts the annual Paro Tsechhu, the most important monastic festival celebrated in the valley.  

The Taa Dzong, a traditional watchtower, has a unique conch shape. It was constructed to protect Paro Dzong, and is located right above it. The circular watchtower now houses the National Museum that showcases items representing Bhutanese history, culture, and heritage. The museum features a diverse collection of exhibits, including ancient manuscripts, ceremonial costumes, weapons, armor, relics, etc. After the visit, you will be taken to your hotel where you can unwind.

Overnight in Paro.

Today is an important day, as you will be hiking to Taktsang Monastery, the most popular hiking destination in Bhutan. Tiger's Nest, or Taktsang Monastery, is recognized for its sacred significance as a pilgrimage site in Bhutan. As per local lore, Padmasambhava, or Guru Rimpoche, flew to this spot on the back of a flying tigress and meditated at a cave where the monastery is built. With his divine power, he subdued demons who troubled the locals and converted the Bhutanese people to Buddhism. The monastery was built in the 17th century around the cave where Padmasambhava meditated. 

The Tiger’s Nest hike takes about two to three hours each way to complete, depending on your fitness level and pace. The distance of the hike is around 3.5 kilometers each way, and it is considered a moderately difficult trail.

After an early breakfast, you will be driven to the base of the hill where the Taktsang Monastery stands. It takes about an hour or so to drive to the trailhead from the city center. At the foot of the hill, there’s a spacious car park and some souvenir shops. Before starting the hike, your guide will purchase the entrance tickets. The trail meanders past a forested path shaded by tall cypress and fir trees. It is a gradual ascent to the hill past a verdant path.

After about fifteen minutes from the trailhead, you will come across a cluster of small temples built in the traditional Bhutanese style. There are wooden benches where you stop for a brief rest and enjoy the ambiance. After leaving this section, the trail gets steeper. You will be greeted with sightings of colorful birds and butterflies as you take a steep climb.

Bright prayer flags and a giant prayer wheel greet you as you reach the halfway point. At the midway point, there’s a cafeteria where you can stop for lunch. From here, the Taktsang Monastery, or Tiger’s Nest, looks magnificent. You can take pictures and selfies as your food gets ready. Those who hire a pony will only be able to ride to this point. No horses or ponies are allowed beyond this point, and one has to continue the journey on foot.

After lunch, you will continue your journey and hike up a steep section dotted with meditation huts. Later, follow an even path and climb down a concrete staircase built on the side of the cliff. While climbing down, you can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Paro Valley. 

After exploring the monastery, you will head back to the trailhead via the same route. On reaching the car park, board the vehicle and head to a local farm where you enjoy a hot stone bath. The traditional hot stone bath is a healing bath where you get to soak your body in a large wooden tub filled with warm river water that has been heated with hot stones. The bathwater is infused with medicinal herbs that heal the body. After a relaxing dip, you will return to your hotel.

Overnight in Paro. 

Your Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan tour has finally come to an end. Your guide and driver will drop you off at the Paro International Airport, from where you can catch your flight. Let us know if you wish to explore India or more of Nepal; we will be more than happy to assist you in planning your vacation.