
Taste of Nepal, Bhutan & Tibet 10 Days
HAT131
Trip Type:
Schedule DepatureMaximum Altitude:
3650mDurations:
10 daysTrip Starts:
KathmanduTrip Ends:
KathmanduAccomodation:
Hotels and resortsBest Time For Travel:
September-November, April-MayTrip Over View
These Himalayan countries Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet are connected by geography and spirituality. As you visit these countries, you will enjoy their similarities and the differences and here, we have prepared the 10 days itineraries for your convenience. We make sure that your tour throughout is hassle free and pleasant. We believe that some travelling experiences for some people turns out to be life changing and we hope this tour turns out to be that one.
Nepal – the land of Mount Everest with incomparable landscape is a dream destination for many visitors. Bhutan - the Land of the Thunder Dragon is a paradise – actually a unique kingdom prominent for preserving its remarkable fortresses and towns. While mysterious Tibet is a land with ancient monasteries, lake, river and grand snow peaks. Tibet is surely one extraordinary destination to be in.
This combination tour of Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet tour takes you through some of the remarkable World Heritage sites of cultural and natural significance and enthralling magnificence of temples, monasteries, mountains, rivers and waterfalls, cultural and spiritual traditions and each of them different from each other although at some point, you may think of them being quite similar to each other. Each of the places gives you a different experience with an immense pleasure of travelling.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmnadu.
Day 02: Kathmandu.
Day 03: Kathmandu-Lhasa.
Day 04: Lhasa.
Day 05: Lhasa (Yamdrok Lake excursion).
Day 06: Lhasa-Kathmandu.
Day 07: Fly to Paro and drive to Thimpu.
Day 08: Thimpu-Paro.
Day 09: Paro.
Day 10: Paro-Kathmandu-Departure.
Day 01, Thu: Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon arrival in Kathmandu airport, apply and get visa on arrival. Meet the guide outside the arrival terminal and get transferred to hotel. Dinner this evening is Nepali authentic food at a local restaurant with a Nepalese cultural folk dance program. Overnight in Kathmandu at Kasthamandap boutique hotel (D).
Day 02, Fri: Kathmandu
Visit two World Heritage listed religious sites this morning, Pashupatinath temple and Boudhanath Stupa. See devotees taking ritual dips in the holy Bagmati river then visit the giant Buddhist shrine dating back to 7th century and is regarded as one of the "must visit" places for Buddhist followers in their lifetime. In the afternoon, we will visit the ancient city of Bhaktapur, the third major town in the valley. Enjoy the cobblestone streets free of traffic and visit the main attractions here. Overnight in Kathmandu at Kasthamandap boutique hotel (B).
Day 03, Sat: Flight to Lhasa
Transfer to airport for flight to Lhasa. On your arrival at Lhasa airport, you will be met by your local guide and drive to your hotel in Lhasa city (75km/47 miles, 1 hr). Check in the hotel and take rest for acclimatization. You will experience some mild symptoms of altitude sickness that includes light-headedness, disorientation, headache etc. but this is quite common so drink plenty of water and take enough rest. Overnight in Lhasa at Kyichu hotel (B).
Day 04, Sun: Lhasa Sightseeing
Visit the World Heritage formidable site of Potala Palace in the morning. In the afternoon, visit Sera Monastery. Towards the late afternoon, visit the 7th century Jokhang temple, Tibet’s holiest site. In the evening, take a walk in a clock-wise circuit or Kora around the temple grounds, along with the stream of humanity. Stroll through Barkhor market square. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant with Tibetan dance and music in local tourist restaurant. Overnight in Lhasa at Kychi hotel (B).
Day 05, Mon: Excursion to Yamdrok Tsho Lake
Embark on a ride of a lifetime along Lhasa-Kathmandu Southern Highway that runs parallel to the Himalayas. After half an hour from the city, you will drive across Yarlungdzangbo River and the road gradually climbs to Kamba La (4797m/15,820ft) from where you will have the first view of brilliant turquoise blue Yamdrok Tso Lake that lies several feet below the road. This is one of the four holiest lakes of Tibet and home to wrathful deities. Along with the lake, the view in the distance massif of Mt. Nojin Kangtsang (7191m) can be seen. We visit the lake and return to Lhasa by late afternoon. Overnight in Lhasa at Kyichu hotel (B).
Day 06, Tue: Flight to Kathmandu
Transfer to airport for flight to Kathmandu, meet the guide at the airport in Kathmandu and travel up to Swyambhunath temple, set high on a hill with commanding views of Kathmandu valley. In the afternoon, tour to Patan, the city of fine arts and one of the three queen cities of the valley. Visit Durbar Square, Krishna Mandir and other attractions. Overnight in Kathmandu at Kasthamandap boutique hotel (B).
Day 07, Wed: Kathmandu-Paro-Thimpu
Transfer to airport for flight to Paro, Bhutan. It’s a 50 minutes long flight and offers you with spectacular views of Himalayas. Upon arrival at Paro airport, meet our guide and proceed to visit Paro including Ta-Dzong National Museum, the Museum exhibits a series of Bhutanese history of the country and its religion, flora and fauna, arts and crafts etc. Later visit Paro Dungtse Lhkhang, one of the very few temples in Bhutan that still doesn't have electricity in order to preserve the ancient murals inside the temple. We drive to Thimpu, the capital city that consists of about 80,000 people considered to be densely populated in Bhutan. En-route stop over for a 10mins walk down to the "Iron chains" below the Tachog Lhakang. Visit Tashichho dzong, the administrative office of the local government and monastic body in Thimpu. It also houses the 'golden throne' of Wangchuck dynasty. Overnight in Thimpu at Khang Residency. (B/L/D).
Day 08, Thu: Thimpu- Paro
Morning drive to Buddha Point - a 15m tall statue of Buddha Doderma which is recently been built here for world peace and prosperity of the nation. Overlooking the valley below offers a great view point of Thimpu city. Visit Drubthob Nunnery, dedicated to Leonardo Da Vinci of the Himalayas. The Nunnery has 60 nuns and performs similar Buddhist learning and ceremonies of that of a monk. Memorial Stupa, built in 1974 in memory of the late third king is pious landmark for the residents of Thimpu and a good place to interact with the locals. Royal textile academy, the museum aims to preserve the age old traditions available for future research and studies; it is categorized further into six different levels such as warp pattern weaves, weft pattern weaves, role of textiles in religion, achievement in textile arts and textiles from indigenous fibers and the Royal collection. One of the rarest collection of the museum includes the display of the Raven crown is very revealing. Afternoon, 45 minutes drive to Dochula pass (3150m/10060ft), the most scenic pass surrounded by 108 stupas and the colorful prayer flags all around the pass. 10-15mins drive descends after the pass is the most popular picnic spot of many of the locals is the Royal botanical garden, you will find different species of plants and trees and also home to many wild animals. Later in the afternoon we retrace our way back to Paro (1.5hrs). Overnight in Paro at hotel Drukchen (B/L/D).
Day 09, Fri: Tiger's Nest Hike (4-5hrs hike)
Taktshang Monastery (walking time approx. 3 to 4 hrs, depending on fitness). "Taktshang" is literally translated as the Tiger's Nest." Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown to the site riding on a tigress to subjugate a demon that was standing as on obstacle to Buddha's doctrine. Founded as a meditation cave back in the 8th century, is located on the edge of a rocky cliff 3140m/10048ft. The hike to tiger's nest can be classified into two different phases. The first half from the base at the parking lot till we reach the tea house is about an hour climbs steeply up the ridge to the tea house. The trail continues a little further along the ridge, although some visitors return from the tea house. The second half of the trail consists of another 1hr uphill through the trees until you reach a spectacular viewpoint at about the same height as the Monastery. From this vantage point, Taktshang looks as if it is growing out of the rocks and seems almost close enough to touch although it is about 30 minutes away on the other side of the deep chasm. Following a waterfall and a small bridge finally reach us at the entrance. A challenging hike but well worth the effort and a highlight of any trip to Bhutan. Once we made it till the top, we retrace back to hotel. Overnight in paro at hotel Drukchen (B/L/D).
Day 10, Sat: Paro-Kathmandu-Departure
Transfer to airport for flight to Kathmandu and connect your flight back home (B).
Service ends.
Includes
- Accommodations as listed or similar.
- Daily breakfast in the hotel in Nepal and Tibet, full meals in Bhutan (breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
- All transfers.
- Sightseeing with entrance fees.
- Local English speaking Guides.
- Tibet Permits.
- Bhutan Visa.
Excludes
- Travel insurance.
- Nepal Visa $25 each. Visa available up on arrival in Kathmandu.
- Expenses of personal nature such as drinks, tipping, laundry, phone etc.
- Extra expenses due to nature and unforeseen events such as flight delay, cancellation, trip interruption due to inclement weather, civil unrest etc.
- Emergency medical transportation.