Tibet Tours

Tour Code:SC-XZ-001

Route Feature:
Lhasa,placed at an elevation of 3,597 Mts, is the second highest capital in the world after La Paz, Bolivia (3,660 Mts.). One of the most magnificent Royal Palaces anywhere in the world, the Potala Palace former, home of the Dalai Lamas, is built on top of a rock in 1645 and has over 1000 rooms, 10,000 shrines and 2,00,000 religious statues
The tour itinerary:

Day 1: Chengdu – Lhasa by airplane
Departing from Chengdu to Lhasa in the morning,arriving at Lhasa Gonggar airport which is at a elevation of 3000 meters, guide will meet you at the airport,drive to Lhasa urban area, en route visit Brahmaputra valley, Buddha Sculpture made in the 11th century and Tibetan village etc. on the drive to Lhasa and check in the Hotel, Free and have a good rest in the Lhasa city today, avoid extreme physical activity and sickness of high altitude.overnight in Lhasa.

(B × L × S √ )

Day 2 :Lhasa Full Day City Tour
Visit the main tourist attractions in Lhasa:Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street.

(B √ L √ S √ )

Day 3: Lhasa – Yangpachen -Namtso lake
In the morning, drive to Yangpachen,the hot spring, en route see the Northern Tibet Grassland, and the Yangpachen geothermal power plant, then go to Namtso lake,one of the three holy lakes in Tibet,then back to Lhasa,overnight in Lhasa.

(B √ L √ S √ )

Day 4: Lhasa – Chengdu by airplane
Leave from Lhasa for Chengdu by airplane,the end .

(B √ L × S × )

Note:
B=breakfast, L=lunch, S=supper, N=overnight
Tibet entrance permit.
Single room supplement may be paid if there appears extra single person.
In high altitude areas to visit, please note the Altitude sickness.

The journey for five nights and five days in Lhasa, Nyingchi, the Kingdom of Cypress

Notice: as long as you tell us your travellers names, number and your flight’s /train’s number in advance, the personnels from our travel agency will meet you or see you off at the airport /station.
In order to protect the travellers and agency’s mutual benefits, we’d like to do business according to the contract which will be signed by both sides and the contract will indicate the accommodation, dining, viewing standard clearly. We will make sure that you could have a good time during your travelling.

The first day, we will receive you at airport or train station(it is 75km from the Gongga airport to Lhasa) by coach and you’ll live in Tibet but the dining expense is not concluded.

The second day, after breakfast，we are going to visit the highest building of the world —–Potala Palace which is reputed the “Pearl of the plateau”. The Potala Palace locates in the Maburishan Mountain (Red Mountain) in northwest corner of Tibet Autonomous Region.In this building, there are two palaces, white palace and red palace.The former locates in the middle and the latter traverses its two sides. Red Palace is the main venues for religious activities and worship Lingta Palace, the White House is the Dalai Lama’s home and political centre.In the afternoon, we are going to visit Jokhang Temple where you can pray with the local people. It was built during the Tubo dynasty and it has 1350 years history now—the oldest temple in Lhasa. The Baptist god of twelve-year old Sakyamuni is worshipped by the local people there. And then a place called Barkhor street (a commercial and missionary street) will be visited by yourself. The tour guide and driver will be waiting for you at the parking lot. We will live in Tibet tonight and the dining expense is concluded.

The third day, we are going to Basom Tso Lake，which is in the Gongbo’gyamda County. Along the way, we can have a good view of beautiful scenery and folk features. And in order to take a good look, we could stop by and take some pictures here. Basom Tso Lake, is the saint lake of Nyingmapa, where Lotus once beat the Demon and made the Demon surrend. Surrounded by mountains, glaciers and primeval forest, the lake has a very warm climate..Lying on the average altitude of 4,000m, Basom Tso Lake covers a total area of 28 square kilometers and 18km long with and the lowest depth of 120m. The lake looks like a new moon, embedding into in the valleys and the water in the lake is very limpid. With the shadow of the mountains on the surface of the lake, the sand birds and white cranes floating over the lake, fishes swimming in the lake, you can’t help marveling at the greatness of nature. What more, there is an island in the lake with the Som Tso Temple. And you can embark a luxury yacht in the lake at your own expense（50yuan/person）. After driving along the Niyang River and climbing over the Mount Mira, we will drive to Nyingchi District, on the elevation of 2500m inTibet. Nyingchi，in Tibetan language， is “the Throne of the Sun”. At the same time, we can enjoy the scenery of NiYang River Valley, the primeval forest. Notice: It is a long way to reach Nyingchi but the marvellous scenery won’t disappoint you and the altitude is diminished, so the altitude sickness will ease.

The fourth day, we are going to visit the Kingdom of Cypress where is 5km from Bayi County, and is in the elevation of 3040m. The cypress here is a species native in Tibet. The landscape covers 10,000 square m. And there are more than 900 cypress trees with the average height of 5.8m there. This kind of cypress is reputated for its the most special cypress in China. There is also a tale about this kind of tree—-it is the life tree of Dunba* Xingraomiwuqie who was the pioneer of Bon religion. In the afternoon, we will go back to Lhasa to visit the ancient town of TaiZhao where is the relic of ancient ethnic. Along the way, we can have a good sight of the Niyang river’s landscape and it is said that the water in the lake is comprised of Goddess tears. With all kinds of water fowls over the surface of the lake, layers of terrace surrounded the lake, particular Tibetan villages scattered around the lake, your memory here will keep in your mind forever.

The fifth day, we will see you off and end our pleasant trip.

The quotation concludes:
Scenic area entrance fees
Accommodation: three-star hotel or double room at the same level hotel with breakfast
Dining: the standard meal services
Transportation: the coach
Tour guide service
The travel service liability(incident insurance should be paid by tourists themselves on their own will)
Notice:
The travel service has the right to change the itineraries when come to the force majeure factor without reducing the scenic spots.
The Tibet is in the plateau so the people who are in high blood pressure, suffering heart disease and Asthma are unfit for visiting Tibet.
After arriving Tibet, please remember following things: slow walking, less talking, more sleeping, no drinking

Mountains always seem to attract and challenge Man. Trekking in the Himalayas is often regarded as a “pilgrimage” whereby one takes leave of the human civilization to enter remote lands, traveling on foot over arduous mountain paths, crossing deep valleys, sleeping in camp sites/teahouses, thus coming in close contact with the element of nature.

About 17% of the kingdom of Nepal is covered by the Himalayas and contains a large number of high peaks. The valley of Kathmandu is encircled by wooded hills, beyond whose northern fringe the snow-clad peaks tantalizingly beckon the trekker. Trekking is also perhaps the best way to get to know the simple mountainfolk, see their culture and lifestyle and enjoy the scenic grandeur of this paradisiacal kingdom. The landscape of countless green hills, vast and deep valleys, great, gushing, turbulent rivers, placid lakes and beautiful terraced fields against the backdrop of towering snow-capped mountains are enough to compel the avid trekker to take up the challenge again and again.
Different trekking routes offer a different range of lengths and difficulties. Some trekking routes are just a day hiking trip and some are very long and high altitude exploration over the mountain pass. It depends on your own choice to fulfill your dreams or expectation.

Note: We, The Himalayan Asia Treks and Expeditions (pvt) Ltd. have offered some package programs. More programs or with different combination can be obtained on request. If you have your own itinerary, please advise us the details/ contact us. We can make special arrangements for individual and groups of any size for any type of tours and trekking in Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, India and Sikkim/Darjeeling. We also handle incentive tours, convention and conferences groups

Types of Trekking:
Two types of Trekking (camping & teahouse) is in practice in Nepal.

Camping Trekking:- You will have a skilled guide explaining the culture, society and the nature where you walk. A cook preparing very nutritious food and other crew members to carry equipment and food. You will only have to carry your own daypack and camera. This will give you plenty of time to enjoy the nature, relax and think.

Teahouse Trekking:- In popular trekking areas there are lodges and inns run by the local people where you can eat and sleep. You just trek together with a guide. He will show and tell you about the most beautiful and interesting places.

A normal day life in camping trek:-
1. In the morning tea will be served in the tent. Outside a bucket of hot water for washing, a good breakfast and of course the Himalayas are waiting for you. The food will be different from day to day – porridge, pancakes, egg or müsil.
2. A beautiful place chosen for lunch. Warm food will be served .The chef and the kitchen boys serve you spaghetti, soup, spring rolls or any other warm dish. The portions are always large and made by a chef who puts hygiene and quality before anything else.
3. After lunch you will start for another about three hours of walking. Then you will arrive at a carefully chosen camping spot. We choose beautiful places to stay, but we NEVER compromise with safety and environment. The tent will be placed there. You have plenty of time to rest, wash, think or explore the area by yourself before time for dinner. The dinner starts with some snacks – fresh popcorn, papadams or something similar. A good soup followed by a warm dish – every day offers new surprises of Nepalese as well as western food.
Get into the tent experience with Himalayan sky.

A)Easy:- Generally between 900 and 2000meters (3000-6500feet) with plenty of ups and downs. Travelers need to be regular walkers to fully enjoy this experience. It is possible, however, to design “easy and short” three or four day treks with only two to five hours of walking per day.

B) Moderate:- Possibly involving side trips to higher elevations between 900 and 3000meters (3000 to 10000 feet).

C)Moderate to Strenuous (difficult):-Reasonably demanding trekking at altitudes up to 4000meters (13000feet) with trips to higher elevations and could include treks away from villages in ill defined mountain trails.

D) Strenuous (difficult):- All Tibet tours are included here primarily because of the rigours of the climate and over high altitude, varying from Lhasa at 3700 meters (12000 feet) to high pass crossing by vehicles or on foot over 5000 meters (16500 feet). Treks in other areas of demanding nature require all participants to be fit and is excellent health, often in remote alpine areas and sometimes reaching altitudes over 5500meters (18000 ft)

E)Alpine:- These are extremely demanding treks, Sometime in very remote areas on rough terrain, and could include (in Nepal) climbs of one or more of the “trekking peaks” (Maximum altitude – Mt. Meera at 6461 meters, 21192 feet). Participants should have at least a basic Knowledge of the use of crampous and ice axe, though finest time climbers may be accepted on some of the “easy” routes. Medical certificates are required for acceptance in to these climbing treks.

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About Silk Road TOURS

 Silk Road is an historical route which connected ancient china to the various ancient countries in the west through commercial trade. Silk Road was started as a trade route but later became a cultural bridge which linked up the ancient Chinese, Indian, Persian, Arabic culture with the ancient Greek and Roman culture and promoted the exchange between the Oriental civilization and the Occidental civilization. It used to take a whole year and a half for a caravan to go through on the Silk Road. The journey was arduous, travelers had to fight against the wind, sand, aridity, frost, snow , extreme cold and attcacks of hostile nomads to explore -above all- to keep their lives. Silk Road, now became a three-dimensional transportation network, with a network of highways, crisscrossing railways and airports. Transportation on the winding highways have reached the “roof of the world” the Pamir Plateau, into the towering and precipitous Karakoram Mountains, and across the Tarim and Junggar Basins. China Silk Road Tours that we have selected will give you immense satisfaction and unforgettable memories.

Silk Road From Beijing To Kashgar
Beijing is the capital of China, one of the main starting point of Silk Road tour with a lot of must-see spots, like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, it also has many must-taste foods, like the Beijing Roast Duck and Jiaozi, a kind of dumpling. Xian was China’s capital more than 1000 years ago, it has a lot of historic spots, like the Terra Cotta Warriors and the Wild Goose Pagoda. Enjoying the Tang Dynasty Show in Xian will let you know more about China’s art and culture.

This article is about the culture of Lhasa, Tibet and I think it can be very helpful if you are planning your Lhasa travel, Tibet travel now.
1. Tibetan Khatag (hada)
Khatag(a must know for your Lhasa travel or Tibet travel) is very important for the Tibetan people. It is a silk product looking like a towel. The Khatag represents honesty ,loyalty and the purity of the heart. The Tibetan people believe that the white color means purity. That is why the Khatag is always white. Presenting Khatags to other people is a common comity in Lhasa, Tibet and it is used in all kinds of critical Tibetan events. (wedding, funeral, Buddhism ritual, etc)

2. Welcome tea and welcome wine in Lhasha, Tibet
The Tibetan people use the Tibetan tea and Tibetan wine to welcome their guests. Usually the wine is called “Qingkejiu”, a special wine made by the Tibetan people. If the Tibetan people present the “Qingkejiu” to you, it means you are a noble guest for them. The tea they use here is called “Suyoucha” and it is given to the guests by the female Tibetan people. You will need to wait for them to present this tea to you. It is not polite to get the tea by yourself in Lhasa, Tibet.(Good to know for your lhasa travel or Tibet travel)

3. How to say hello to the Tibetan people
When you meet the Tibetan people, you can add a “La” to the end of their names. For example, if her name is “Zuoma”, you can call her “Zuomala” and this will show your respect to her.

4. Watching the funeral in Lhasha, Tibet
In Tibet, the sky funeral is very common. But there are many taboos here too. This kind of funeral is forbidden for the strangers to watch. You will need to leave the funeral quietly if you happen to meet one in Lhasa, Tibet.

5. Tibetan new year
The Tibetan people have their own calendar. It is similar with the Chinese traditional calendar and the first day for a year is usualy also the first day in the Chinese calendar.

6. Tibetan Lamp holiday
The 15th day of every year (in the Tibetan calendar) is named the Lamp Day in Lhasa, Tibet. The Tibetan people make lots of Suyou lamps in this day for the Buddhism rituals. The Suyou lamps look like human, birds or animals.(Useful info for lhasa travel or tibet travel)

7. Shower week
The Tibetan people have a holiday named shower week. In this week, they will do the shower near the river. This weak is also called “Muyu” holiday in Lhasa, Tibet.

8. Xue Dun holiday
“Xue” means Yoguat in Tibetan. It is a special homemade Yoguat of Tibet. “Dun” means dinner. Now this Xue Dun holiday is becoming a holiday for the Tibetan opera shows and that is why Xue Dun holiday is also called the Tibetan Opera Day. Usually it is from the end of June to the beginning of July.

9. Horse racing holiday
Horse racing and archery are very popular in Lhasa, Tibet. This horse racing holiday is from July to August in the Tibetan calendar. The Tibetan people also do some barter during this holiday.(Good info for your tibet travel and lhasa travel)

10. Wangguo holiday
This holiday is for the Tibetan people to celebrate the harvests. There are also horse racing, archery racing, Tibetan opera shows during this holiday.

11. Shagedawa day
It is the 04-15 in the Tibetan calendar. Some believe it is the day of Wencheng princess’ wedding in Tibet. The people in Lhasa, Tibet celebrate this holiday every year.

12. Yak day
The Yak day is a traditional holiday for the Tibetan people. In this day, the Tibetan people will decorate their yaks with fresh flowers and this is to show their good wishes for the future.(A good choice for your lhasa travel or tibet travel)

Lhasa

Brahmaputra Grand Hotel Lhasa Type: 5 star
Section B, Yangcheng Plaza, Gongbutang Road, Lhasa,China
 
Lhasa, Tibet, China 
 
Our words of advice: 
Brahmaputra Grand Hotel Lhasa is a luxury five star hotel, with the combination of traditional Tibetan architectural style and modern decorative technologies. Brahmaputra Grand Hotel Lhasa is located at Section B, Yangcheng Plaza, Gongbutang Road, standing at north-eastern bank of Lhasa River, allowing guests to enjoy wonderful views of Lhasa.
It takes about 5 minutes to get to downtown and is about 30 minutes to Lhasa Gongga Airport. With this prime location, guests will have very easy access to every travel spot in Lhasa city. Brahmaputra Grand Hotel Lhasa also provides well-equipped 186 rooms with different style, and each room has Internet access for convenience of all guests.
Brahmaputra Grand Hotel Lhasa is the unique museum for accommodation in the world, owing to its deep cultural foundation, elegant tastes and heart-warming service. The hotel is right place for tourists home and abroad. 

Rate: USD 130 for standard twin, included breakfast(Nov 1-Mar 31)
Valid Period: March 31.

Introduction: Brahmaputra Hotel occupies 30,000 sqm, situated in the Yangcheng Square, south of holy Lhasa. It is the first 5-star foreign affairs-concerning hotel consistent with Tibetan folk culture in Lhasa. Brahmaputra Hotel enjoys an advantegeous location and beautiful sceneries around Lhasa city. You can feel a special management and professional, friendly and efficient service right here!

Rooms: The hotel has 186 western guestrooms and Tibetan rooms, all of which feature different styles and well facilitated. The deluxe and elegant Chinese and Western dinning halls, bars, well furnished luxurious banquet hall, meeting rooms, recreational and entertainment equippment will ensure you a unexpected stay.
Restaurants: 3 restaurants provide you with worldwide food meeting different requests. Chinese restaurant serves the finest Tibet local food along with specialties from other parts of China. Western restaurant will satisfy them with diverse food. After long time continuous traveling and working. Guests will be kindly suggested to get full relaxation in the coffee bar. wine bar and recreation center which serves beauty salon.

Below is the address of the hotel in Chinese. You can click the picture and print it. When you arrive in Lhasa, show it to the local people, which could be very useful to get to your hotel successfully!

We booked Tang Ka Hotel 2 days before we arrived from Xian. We had been staying at a hostel and wanted something a bit nicer for a few days. We booked a Tibetan style room for 298yuan (much less than their rack rate).

Fantastic location (less than 100 meters from Barkhor Square and Jokhang Temple). Best Chinese hotel I’ve stayed in.   Although it is right next to the Jokhang Temple Square it is off an alley so very quiet at night. We arrived at night and it was quite dark in the alley. The location is excellent and easy to pop into when you need the conveniences.

The hotel is fairly new having been built in mid 2007. It is a four star rated hotel. The room was spacious and beautifully decorated. Bathroom was modern and clean with lots of toiletries included.

Staff speak very little English and the breakfast is very ordinary but included. Staff are friendly but you don’t get the atmosphere or tour help you would in a hostel. We found the pillows uncomfortable as they were much higher than we were used to.

We had free Internet in our room once we had asked for and promptly received a cable. There is also an Internet Lounge for a cost.   As we are here in winter it was great to have an efficient air conditioning.

The Chinese often refer to Sichuan as the Heavenly Kingdom (Tianfu Zhiguo), a reference to the provinces abundance in natural resources and cultural heritage. Its name, Four Rivers, refers to four of the more than 80 mighty rivers spilling across the Chuanxi plain in the east. Sichuan is the largest province in the south-west, with a population displaying as much diversity as its landscape. While the east supports one of the densest rural populaion in the world, the west rises in giant steps to the Tibetan plateau, where green tea becomes butter tea and Confucianism yields to Buddhism. These windswept grasslands and deep forests are home to the Qiang and Tibetans.

Sichuan can be divided into two major topographical parts, the Sichuan Basin and the Western Sichuan Plateau.

The Sichuan Basin, also called the Purple Basin or Red Basin, is one of the larger basins in China. Rising 1,000-3,000 meters above sea level, it is enclosed on four sides by the Daliang, Qionglai, Minshan, Daba and Wushan mountains and the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau.

It consists of three parts: the parallel valleylands in the east, the hilly areas in the middle and the Chengdu Plain in the west. Formed by alluvial deposits from the Minjiang and its tributaries, the Chengdu Plain is the largest in southwest China and the major farming area in Sichuan. With a warm climate, fertile soil and the Dujiangyan irrigation system, it is also one of the countrys most affluent regions. The scenic, majestic Emei Mountain on its southwestern fringe is one of the best-known mountains in China.

The Western Sichuan Plateau, exceeding 3,000 meters in elevation in most parts, consists of numerous canyons ranged vertically side by side and rows upon rows of snow mountains. The northern section of it is part of the main body of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the southern section is the northern stem of the Hengduan Mountains.

Starting at Drukgyel Dzong, Paro this trek passes through scattered hamlets and formland, into a deep and richly forested valleys, which leads to a high alpine pastureland where yak headers graze their animals. The trek offers a taste of great variety of Bhutanese landscape.

Season : The ideal time for this trek is April to June and September to November.
Day 1 : Arrive Paro by Druk Air
Arrive Paro by Druk air BAe 146-100 series, the only national carrier. The flight offers you beautiful view of mountains and landscapes. On arrival and after visa formalities you will be received by Our members. Afternoon / evening time at leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 2 : Paro
Morning visit to Ta Dzong, built in 17th century, as watch tower to defend Paro Dzong and valley. This fortress was later converted into the National Museum in 1967 and is filled with antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and Bhutan’s renowned postage stamps. Below Ta Dzong, is fascinating Rinpung Dzong meaning “fortress of the heap of jewels” which has interesting history. Afternoon, see Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of Bhutan. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 3 : Paro – Shana [17 Km, 5/6 Hours]
The trek starts from Drukgyel Dzong at 2580m with a short downhill walk on a wide train. The trail climbs gently traversing through well maintained rice terrace and fields of millet. The route later enters an area of apple orchards and forests. Soon the valley widens and you reach the army post of Gunyitsawa at 2810m. This is the last stop before Tibet. At 2870m, just beyond Sharma Zampa, there are several good camping places in meadows surrounded by trees

Day 4 : Shana – Soi Thangthangkha [20 Km, 7/8 Hours]
The trail again follows Pa Chu (Paro River), ascending and descending through pine, oak and spruce forests. Hot lunch will be served after crossing the bridge towards the left side of the river. After lunch follow the river climbing up through rhododendron forests and finally crossing the bridge again, reaching to the campsite at the altitude of 3.750m.

Day 5 : Soi Thangthangkha – Jangothang [19 Km, 7/8 Hours]
The path ascends for a while till you reach the army camp. Then follow the river above the tree line enjoying the stunning view of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch will be served inside a yak herder’s camp. A short walk into the valley will take you to the camp at Jangothang at an altitude of 4,040m. From here, the view of Mount. Chomolhari and Jichu Drake is superb.

Day 6 : Jangothang – Lingshi [ 18 Km, 7/8 Hours]
The trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the rightside. Start the climb upto the first ridge with a breathtaking view of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsrim Khang. Then walk towards the valley, almost flat for a while, until the climb to the Nyele la pass at an altitude of 4,700m. After the pass it’s a gradual descent to the Lingshi camp, enjoying the panormic view of the peaks and Lingshi Dzong. Camp at the altitude of 4000m.
Day 7 : Lingshi – Shodu [22 Km, 8/9 Hours]
The Laya Gasa route leaves the Chomolhari trek here. The trek route climbs towards a small white chorten on a ridge above the camp, then turns south up tee deep Mo Chu valley. The trail stays on the west side of the largely treeless valley, climbing steadily a short distance above Mo Chu. In then crosses the river, and climbs steeply for two hours to Yeli la (4820m). From the pass, on a clear day, you can see Chomolhari, Ganghhenta, Tserim Khang and Masang Gang. Descend alongside a stream to a shelter, then further fownstream to a camp at Shodu (4,100m), a meadow with a chorten.

Day 8 : Shodu – Barshong [16 Km, 6/7 Hours]
At this place, one comes back to treeline. The path follows Thimphu river, descending through rhododendron, juniper and other alpine forests. The view of the cliff facing rocks and waterfalls is stunning. Hot lunch will be served by the riverside. After lunch the trail gradually ascends to the ruins of Barshong Dzong, reaching the camp at the altitude of 3,600m.

Day 9 : Barshong – Dolam Kencho [15 Kms, 5/6 Hours]
The trail descends gently through a dense forest of rhododendron, birch and conifers, then drops steeply to meet Thimphu Chu. It says on river left, climbing over ridges and descending to side streams. Then traverses steep cliff to Dolam Kencho, a camp among pastureland at 3,600m

Day 10 : Dalakencho – Dodena – Thimphu [8 Kms, 3 Hours]
The trail goes in and out side valleys above Thimphu Chu, making a long ascent through a forest of conifers and high altitude broadleaf species to a pass at 3,510m. The trail then drops steeply to the river and follow it southward to the roadhead at Dodena, elevation 2600m where you will be picked up by Connecting Horizons Adventures transport to drive to Thimphu. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.

Day 11 : Thimphu – Paro
Full day of sight seeing in Thimphu valley visiting Memorial Chorten, Tashichhodzong, National Library, Painting School, Traditional Medicine Institute, Handicrafts Emporium. Evening drive to Paro. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 12 : Paro Depart
After breakfast, drive to Paro airport for flight to onward destination.

Day 01: Delhi (Arrival)
Around midnight arrival in Delhi. The cosmopolitan city and capital Delhi is the main gateway for travellers. Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to the hotel.

Day 02: Delhi – Paro (by air)
In the morning you will drive to the airport for the flight to Paro. This beautiful valley with its rich terraced farmland, is home to some of the Bhutan’s oldest temples and monastries. Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to the hotel in Paro. In the afternoon you will visit the Rinpung Dzong. It was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngwang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan. Rinpung Dzong means the fortress on a heap of jewels. This fortress now houses the Paro monastic school and the office of the civil administration. Then you will visit the National Museum. After the visit of the National museum you will go for an excursion to Takstang monastery. In April 1998 a fire destroyed the main structure of Taktstang Monastery, perched on the side of a cliff 900 m above the valley floor. It is also known as “tiger’s den” because Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown to the site on the back of a tigress in the eighth century.

Day 03: Paro
In the morning you will visit the Ta Dzong. The Ta Dzong was built in 1651 as a watch tower. This dzong is round more like parts of an European castle. In the afternoon you will visit the Drugyal Dzong. It means the victorious fortress which was built in 1647 by Shabdrung to celebrate his victory over the Tibetan invaders. Strategically built over the only passage into the Paro valley, the dzong helped to rebel various invasions through the course of Bhutanese history. Evening free for leisure.

Day 04: Paro – Thimphu (about 65 kms.)
Today after having breakfast you will drive to Thimphu. Thimphu is the modern capital of Bhutan. It lies at an elevation of 2300 m in a valley traversed by the Wang Chu river. This city maintains a strong national character in its architectural style. This morning you will set out on a sightseeing tour of Thimphu. First of all you will visit the Tashichho Dzong on the bank of the river. It is the main Secretariat building which houses the throne room of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan and is also the summer residence of the central monk body. After visiting the Secretariat building you will visit the national library to see the rare and precious collection of Buddhism.

Day 05: Thimphu
In the morning you will visit the 17th century Simtokha Dzong. It is the oldest Dzong in the country which stands on a lofty ridge at the end of the valley. It was built in the year 1627 and now houses the school for Buddhist studies. Today you will also visit a painting school. In this painting school the young children learn the ancient art of paintings. After visiting the painting school you will visit the centre of traditional medicines. Bhutan has its own brand of Himalayan herbal medicines.

Day 06: Thimphu – Paro (about 65 kms.)
In the morning you will drive to Paro. Enroute visit the 17th century Simtokha Dzong. It is the oldest Dzong in the country which stands on a lofty ridge at the end of the valley. It was built in the year 1627 and now houses the school for Buddhist studies. In the afternoon reach Paro. Rest of the day free for leisure.

Day 07: Paro – Kathmandu (by air)
In the morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to the hotel. In the afternoon you will enjoy the first impression of Kathmandu.

Day 08: Kathmandu
In the morning you will start your sightseeing by visiting Durbar Square. Durbar Square is the spiritual heart of Kathmandu. The old royal palace at the centre of the city was surrounded by temples and other important buildings. This is the most important point in Kathmandu to observe the culture and religion of Nepal. After the visit of Durbar Square you will proceed to visit Swayambhunath. Swayambhunath Stupa is famous for the eyes of Buddha which seem to observing the world from all 4 directions. After Swayambhunath you will visit Bodhanilkantha. Bodhanilkantha is one of the most photographed sights. Here, you will see a Vishnu statue of 5th century reclining on his bed of serpents in the pool.

Day 09: Kathmandu
Today you will drive to Patan. Patan was the second largest town in the valley but it has been absorbed into Kathmandu. Patan was previously known as Lalitpur, the beautiful city. After visiting Patan you will proceed to Bhaktapur, the third biggest city of the valley. Bhaktapur has preserved it’s medieval character better than Patan. Here, you will visit the golden Door, the Palace of 55 windows (15th century) and Pagoda Nyatapola (18th century).

Day 10: Kathmandu
Today you will visit the temple city of Pashupatinath which is Nepal’s most important Hindu pilgrim site on the banks of the Bagmati river. The temple of Pashupatinath is dedicated to god Shiva. Pashupatinath is one of the seven most important holy cities to Hindus. After the visit of Pashupatinath you will visit Bodnath. Bodnath is the largest Stupa of Nepal. Around the octagonal base of Stupa there are 108 images of Buddha where prayer ceremonies of Buddhist Lamas are taking place since over 2000 years.

Day 11: Kathmandu
Today you will drive to the Changu Narayan Temple. This temple is 125 m above the Kathmandu valley and dates from 4th century AD. This temple is famous for its sculptures of god Vishnu showing him in different reincarnation. In the afternoon you will drive to Nagarkot. Nagarkot has the best vantage point for a view of the Himalayas from the Kathmandu valley. On clear weather you can enjoy the view from Annapurna range upto Mount Everest.

Day 12: Kathmandu
Today you will drive to Dakshinkali. On the way you will pass through the villages and small localities. On the way to Dakshinkali you will see the rural area where most of the people make their living by cultivating their fields. The temple of Dakshinkali is a place of pilgrimage for Hindus where still animals sacrifices for the goddess Kali are performed. In the afternoon you will drive to Dulikhel. Dulikhel lies at an altitude of 1650 m and offers a beautiful view of Himalayas on clear days. Later return back to Kathmandu.

Day 13: Kathmandu – Lhasa (by air)
In the morning after having breakfast transfer to airport to connect flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa. Upon arrival at Gongor airport at Lhasa, you will be met by our representative and transferred to the hotel. Rest of the day free for acclimatization in Lhasa.

Day 14: Lhasa
In the morning after having breakfast you will visit the Sera Monastery. Sera is more like a small town on the outskirts of Lhasa at the base of Tatipu hill. It is the main teaching monastery and one of the three great Gelukpa Universities – once housing more than 5500 monks. Here one can see the young novices learning scriptures in the Debating Garden. After visiting the Sera Monastery you will drive to visit the Jokhang temple. Jokhang temple was built in the 7th century AD and houses the most prized Buddhist relic, a 1300 year old Sakyamuni Buddha statue. The main section of the temple is topped with golden roofs found nowhere else except in Tibet. In the evening you will have a walk in the Barkhor Bazaar. It is a lively and colourful market where you can bargain over such treasures like ornate long bladed knives, prayer wheels and exquisite jewellery.

Day 15: Lhasa
In the morning you will visit the Potala Palace. Potala Palace is the dominant landmark of Lhasa which is situated at a height of 117 meters above the sea level. It was both the residence of the current Dalai Lama and tomb of the former head of state. The Potala is full of elaborate art work and frescos that tell many stories. After the visit of Potala Palace you will visit the Norbulingka Summer palace. On the banks of the Kyichi River, there is a tree and flower filled pard known as the Norbulingka or the Jewel Park. Covering a total area of 360,000 square meters, the park was originally laid out in the year 1750. Norbulingka is also the site of the summer palace of the Dalai Lamas (8th to 14th). In the evening you will visit the Drepung monastery. This monastery is situated in the west suburbs of Lhasa city. It was formerly the largest and richest monastery in the world with 10,000 monks. Of particular interest is the medieval monk’s kitchen with its great cauldrons of steaming barley ’stamp’ sitting on top of huge earthen stoves and tented by saffron robed monks wielding massive ladles. From the roof of the monastery one can enjoy the natural beauty of the Lhasa valley.

Day 16: Lhasa – Kathmandu (by air)
In the morning after having breakfast transfer to airport to connect flight from Lhasa to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure for personal activities.

Day 17: Kathmandu – Delhi (by air)
In the afternoon transfer to airport for the flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to the hotel.

Day 18: Delhi (Departure)
Around midnight flight to home destination.