Tibet, Nepal & Bhutan

We start our Tibet discovery and the people who call this pristine part of the world home in the capital Lhasa. Upon arrival at the airport or train station, we transfer to the hotel to check in, with the rest of the day free to acclimatize to the altitude.

Situated at 11,995 feet above sea level, Lhasa is one of the world's highest cities, nestled in a valley surrounded by majestic mountains and the Kyichu River. Lhasa means "holy land" in Tibetan, home to numerous sacred sites.

Enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel featuring traditional local culture and architecture. The hotel boasts a stunning collection of almost 100 ancient Tibetan and Chinese textile art pieces and an ornate boutique art garden.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Songtsam Linka Retreat Lhasa (Superior Suite Garden View)

Today we get on a high and soak up a stupendous view from the world's highest palace, the Potala Palace. After breakfast, we explore this iconic landmark that served as the winter palace of successive Dalai Lamas, ahead of it being transformed into a fascinating museum and tourist attraction. This incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site earned a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most elevated palace in the world at 12,139 feet above sea level. After lunch at a local restaurant, we get crafty at a thangka workshop and get an insight into painting Buddhist images onto silk. Next, we continue to Norbulingka, a site that served as the summer palace of continuous Dalai Lamas. This sprawling site contains Tibet's largest artificial garden. We then return to our accommodation in time to enjoy an authentic Tibetan-style dinner. Today's tour provides another chance to discover this sacred and amazing land.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Songtsam Linka Retreat Lhasa (Superior Suite Garden View)

Discover your spiritual side at the region's most treasured monasteries and pilgrim sites. After breakfast, we set off for Jokhang Monastery, Tibet's spiritual center. This sprawling 7th-century complex attracts scores of pilgrims, and it has been listed as a UNESCO World Cultural

Heritage Site. The ornate structure perfectly blends Han, Tibetan, Indian, and Nepalese styles. Our next stop is Barkhor Street in Lhasa Old Town. Dubbed the 'heart of Lhasa', this famous pilgrimage circuit is home to a vibrant bazaar.

After lunch at a traditional restaurant, we visit Ramoche Monastery, the sister temple to Jokhang. This site houses a small bronze statue of Buddha from when he was eight. Dinner is at the hotel. Today's tour provides a great immersion into Tibet's religious roots.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Songtsam Linka Retreat Lhasa (Superior Suite Garden View)

Delve deeper into Tibet's rich heritage by exploring the impressive Zhayeba Monastery. We head to Tibet's second-highest monastery, an important sacred site for pilgrims. Precariously perched on a cliff face, the 7th-century complex comprises a series of small cave chapels built mainly by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo who ruled from 617 A.D. to 650 A.D. today, it stands as one of Tibet's four most sacred spots. We have time to explore the impressive network of temples carved into the mountainside, followed by lunch. Tonight, enjoy a Tibetan-style dinner accompanied by traditional musical performances.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Songtsam Linka Retreat Lhasa (Superior Suite Garden View)

Experience the awe-inspiring natural beauty of Tibet while immersing yourself in its rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Our itinerary begins with a scenic 31-mile drive to Gandan Monastery, the largest Gelugpa sect monastery nestled in a lush valley. Join local pilgrims on a meditative walk around the temple, known as the kora, and marvel at the panoramic vista stretching across the Lhasa River. Enjoy a packed lunch amidst this breathtaking scenery before we continue to Sera Monastery, one of the 'great three' Gelug university monasteries renowned for its role in Tibet's history and Buddhism's growth. Witness mesmerizing monk debates that are integral to the monastery's tradition.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Songtsam Linka Retreat Lhasa (Superior Suite Garden View)

Stand in awe of the spectacular scenery at striking Yamdrok Lake. After breakfast, we hit the road for a drive through more magnificent landscapes to this freshwater lake that sits 14,570 feet above sea level. As one of Tibet's three largest sacred lakes, it is more than 45 miles long and flanked by snow-capped peaks and lush rolling hills perfectly reflected in its still turquoise waters. Believed to be guarded by the Goddess Dorje Gegkyi, local pilgrims flock to its banks to circumnavigate the entire length over a seven-day walk to wash away their sins. Next, we enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot overlooking majestic landscapes before returning to Lhasa. We have time to refresh in the room before a farewell dinner at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Songtsam Linka Retreat Lhasa (Superior Suite Garden View)

 After breakfast, we will head back to the airport for our flight to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Upon arrival, we will transfer to our hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure to relax or explore the city. Kathmandu is situated at an altitude of 4,594 feet and is surrounded by the Shivapuri, Phulchoki Nagarjun, and Chandragiri mountains. It was formerly known as 'Kantipur' (City of Glory). As one of the world's capitals with the densest UNESCO-listed World Heritage Sites, Kathmandu is a treasure trove of culture and history. While in Nepal, it's customary to greet locals by placing your palms together and bowing while saying "Namaste," which translates to "I salute the God in you."

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Hyatt Place Kathmandu (Deluxe room)

After breakfast, visit Durbar Square with its old temples and beautifully carved exteriors. Later, visit Kumari Temple, home to the world's only living Goddess. Then venture outside of the city to see the hilltop Swayambhunath stupa. Its lofty white dome and glittering golden spire are visible miles away from the valley. A pair of big eyes are on the main stupa's four sides. These eyes are symbolic of God's all-seeing perspective. There is no nose between the eyes but rather a representation of the number one in the Nepali alphabet, signifying that the single way to enlightenment is through the Buddhist path. On a clear day, you can get a panoramic view of the Kathmandu valley from the hilltop. We travel through Kathmandu Valley to Patan, a Buddhist and Hindu culture hub full of religious art, temples, and monasteries. Stroll through Patan Durbar Square, which holds the greatest concentration of Newari architecture anywhere in the valley. In the fascinating narrow streets surrounding the square, there are more than 600 stupas.

The Patan Museum is the restored palace of the 17th Century Malla Kings and houses bronze statues and religious objects, some dating back to the 11th Century. The gilded doors and windows open to the Krishna Mandir Temple, built by King Siddhi Narasigh Malla in 1637 and is still in use. The temple has three floors and 21 golden pinnacles. The first floor enshrines Krishna, the second is Shiva, and the third is Lokeshwor. Late afternoon we return to our hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Hyatt Place Kathmandu (Deluxe room)

After breakfast, we'll embark on a morning excursion to Bhaktapur, a UNESCO World Heritage site located 4,596 feet in the Kathmandu Valley. Known as the "town of the Devotees," this ancient city boasts stunning Newari art and architecture from the Malla period (13th – 18th Century). Its main attraction is the palace complex at Durbar Square.

Next, we'll visit the hilltop temple of Changu Narayan, the oldest Vishnu shrine in the Kathmandu Valley. The two-story temple features intricate carvings of the ten incarnations of Vishnu and different multi-armed tantric goddesses. Changu Narayan is particularly renowned for its Lichhavai period (4th to 9th centuries) stone, wood, and metal carvings in the courtyard surrounding the main temple. It is one of seven structures cited by UNESCO to demonstrate the historic and artistic achievements that make the Kathmandu Valley a World Heritage Site.

After exploring Changu Narayan, we'll travel to Nagarkot, famous for its breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest to the northeast. Nagarkot is considered the best place for mountain viewing in the Kathmandu Valley, and on a clear day, you can see the majestic peak of Mt. Everest (Sagarmatha) from here.

We'll return to our hotel for dinner and relaxation in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Hyatt Place Kathmandu (Deluxe room)

Begin your day with a visit to the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site situated on the banks of the Bagmati River. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, also known as 'The Lord of Animals.' Explore the temple's premises, which include various temples, ashrams, idols, and inscriptions added over centuries. Marvel at the pagoda-shaped main temple with its golden roof and silver doors on all four sides. Inside the temple, you will find a Shiva linga with four faces of Shiva, each with significance. While the temple permits only Hindus, you can still enjoy a good view of the temple from the river's opposite bank. Witness the evening Aarti, a light offering to Lord Shiva, and observe the Arya Ghat, a cremation ground only for Hindus.

Next, head to Bodhanath, the largest stupa in Kathmandu Valley and one of the most important Buddhist stupas. This magnificent structure stands at about 131 feet high and is adorned with Buddha's all-seeing red, white, and blue eyes painted on all four sides. The stupa is surrounded by hundreds of fluttering prayer flags, prayer wheels, and small images of Buddha. Take a stroll around the stupa and absorb the peaceful and spiritual atmosphere.

In the evening, return to your hotel for dinner and a good night's rest.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Hyatt Place Kathmandu (Deluxe room)

After breakfast, we will transfer to the airport for a scenic flight to Paro, a charming town nestled in the Paro Valley of Bhutan. Upon arrival, we will embark on a journey to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. In the afternoon, we will visit the Folk Heritage Museum, which showcases the traditional Bhutanese lifestyle and culture through various artifacts and exhibits. Next, we will head to the Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan's national animal, the takin. Here, we can observe these unique animals in their natural habitat and learn more about their significance in Bhutanese culture. We will end the day with a delicious dinner, followed by a comfortable overnight stay in Thimphu.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Ariya Hotel (Standard room)

We explore Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Our first stop will be at the Memorial Chorten, a stunning stupa constructed in remembrance of Bhutan's third king. After that, we will visit the Institute for Zorig Chusum, known as the painting school, where students are taught traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts. You will find a vast collection of exquisitely hand-woven textiles and craft products at the Handicrafts Emporium, a government-run store. We will then visit the National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts, manuscripts, and modern academic books. Afterward, we will proceed to Tashichho Dzong, the "fortress of the glorious religion," which has served as the seat of Bhutan's government since 1968. It houses the king's throne room, cabinet secretariat, and several ministries. We will end the day with a leisurely stroll along the city's main street.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Ariya Hotel (Standard room)

Embark on a journey to Punakha, traversing through a scenic route adorned with oak, pine, and rhododendron forests, ascending to the Dochu La Pass situated at an altitude of 10,300 feet. Pause for a brief stop at the pass and marvel at the breathtaking views of the majestic Himalayan Mountains. Descend into the stunning Punakha Valley and visit the Chimi Lhakhang, a 15th-century shrine dedicated to fertility. Continue your journey and explore the impressive Punakha Dzong, an extraordinary fortress-like structure built at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, showcasing the finest example of Bhutanese architecture.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Green Resort Hotel (Standard room)

Begin the day with a 2.5-hour hike through picturesque rice fields and along the banks of the Mo Chu river to the stunning Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a hilltop temple offering breathtaking views of the valley below. After exploring the area, we drive to a ridge above the Punakha Valley to visit picturesque villages and enjoy a picnic lunch. In the afternoon, we visit the Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup Nunnery, perched on a cliff with stunning views of the Punakha and Wangdue valleys. The nuns not only receive religious training but also learn valuable skills such as embroidery, tailoring, and statue making. Afterward, we continue our drive to Paro.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Paro Naksel Hotel (Standard room)

We'll take a short 20-minute drive to the upper Paro valley and arrive at Taktsang Monastery, famously known as Tiger's Nest, perched on a cliff. From the viewpoint, we'll begin a 1.5-hour hike, witnessing the awe-inspiring view of the monastery. After that, we'll hike for an additional hour to reach the monastery itself. This sacred site is where Guru Rinpoche, the Tiger Goddess of Mahayana Buddhism, meditated. The monastery suffered damage from a fire in 1998, but after years of restoration work, it has been restored to its former glory. Before heading back, we'll take a stroll down the main street and enjoy some refreshments at a local café or bar.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Paro Naksel Hotel (Standard room)

After breakfast, our tour comes to an end. A departure transfer will be provided to take you to Paro airport for your onward travel. We hope you had an enjoyable and memorable trip to Lhasa, Bhutan, and Nepal, and we look forward to welcoming you back in the future.

Meals: Breakfast