Tibet

Fly to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet Autonomous Region

Tentative flight departure time from Chengdu: 08:00 and arrival in Lhasa: 10:25

Acclimatization, easy exploration around Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Market

You can rest for the day or go walking around for acclimatization. We will have a briefing over dinner.

Explore Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery

After breakfast, we continue our tour to Drepung Monastery which showcases exquisite architecture and peaceful courtyards. Later at Sera Monastery, we experience a tranquil ambiance against the backdrop of beautiful murals.

Explore Potala Palace, and a traditional village near Lhasa

Our sightseeing tour begins with the magnificent Potala Palace. Its layered structure houses intricate chambers adorned with sacred art. The tour then leads to the Jokhang Temple, a spiritual nucleus blending various architectural styles. We then head to the bustling Barkhor Market with stalls offering Tibetan artifacts.

Drive from Lhasa to Shigatse via Yamdrok lake

Today, you'll drive to the stunning Yamdrok Lake in Tibet, passing over the high Kampa La (4750m) and Karo La (5010m) passes, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and turquoise waters. Enjoy breathtaking views, take beautiful photos, and explore this sacred lake, believed to be a goddess in transformation. Continue your drive to Gyantse to visit the 15th-century Pelkhor Monastery, renowned for its vivid murals, clay sculptures, and the coexistence of three Tibetan Buddhist sects (Gelug, Sakya, and Kagyu). If time allows, explore the chapels of the iconic Kumbum Stupa before continuing to Shigatse, Tibet's second-largest city, where you'll arrive in the late afternoon.

Explore Shitgatse

Visit the secluded Shalu Monastery, 20 km (12 mi) southeast of Shigatse, known for its blend of Tibetan, Han, Indian, and Nepalese styles, along with well-preserved murals, sculptures, and engravings from the 11th-14th centuries. Then tour Tashilhunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas, featuring the Maitreya Buddha statue, Panchen Lamas’ stupas, exquisite murals, and ancient relics.

Drive from Shigatse to Lhasa

Drive from hotel to airport

Fly to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet Autonomous Region

Tentative flight departure time from Chengdu: 08:00 and arrival in Lhasa: 10:25

Acclimatization, easy exploration around Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Market

You can rest for the day or go walking around for acclimatization. We will have a briefing over dinner.

Explore Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery

After breakfast, we continue our tour to Drepung Monastery which showcases exquisite architecture and peaceful courtyards. Later at Sera Monastery, we experience a tranquil ambiance against the backdrop of beautiful murals.

Explore Potala Palace, and a traditional village near Lhasa

Our sightseeing tour begins with the magnificent Potala Palace. Its layered structure houses intricate chambers adorned with sacred art. The tour then leads to the Jokhang Temple, a spiritual nucleus blending various architectural styles. We then head to the bustling Barkhor Market with stalls offering Tibetan artifacts.

Drive from Lhasa to Shigatse via Yamdrok lake

Today, you'll drive to the stunning Yamdrok Lake in Tibet, passing over the high Kampa La (4750m) and Karo La (5010m) passes, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and turquoise waters. Enjoy breathtaking views, take beautiful photos, and explore this sacred lake, believed to be a goddess in transformation. Continue your drive to Gyantse to visit the 15th-century Pelkhor Monastery, renowned for its vivid murals, clay sculptures, and the coexistence of three Tibetan Buddhist sects (Gelug, Sakya, and Kagyu). If time allows, explore the chapels of the iconic Kumbum Stupa before continuing to Shigatse, Tibet's second-largest city, where you'll arrive in the late afternoon.

Drive from hotel to airport

Drive from Kathmandu to hotel

Welcome dinner at Nepal's architecturally marvellous hotel

Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara

Drive or hike to the mountain town of Dhampus

Hike from Dhampus to Australian Camp, and back 3 to 4 hrs

Drive from Dhampus to Pokhara 1 to 1.5 hrs

Evening stroll at Lakeside and dinner overlooking the lake.

Fly from Pokhara to Chitwan 20 mins

Drive to Amaltari 1.5 to 2 hrs

Sunset bush walk and sundowner with elephants

Jungle safari inside Chitwan National Park

Canoeing river safari 1 to 2 hrs

Drive to Chitwan airport

Fly to Kathmandu

Fly from Kathmandu to Paro 45 mins

Drive from Paro to Thimpu 1 hr

Step into the kingdom of Bhutan by landing at Paro International Airport. Depending on the arrival time, we will have a quick lunch or coffee break in Paro town and continue on a picturesque one-hour drive to Thimphu. At Thimpu, immerse yourself in the vibrant streets, lively markets and the pulse of the town. We conclude our day at our hotel in Thimpu. If you arrive early, we take you to Tachogang Lhakhang enroute Thimpu. This spiritual haven pays homage to Thangtong Gyalpo, also known as 'The Iron Bridge Builder’. We walk past the iron suspension bridge and explore the confluence of the Thimphu and Paro rivers.

Thimpu valley excursion

Today, we have a line up of interesting exploration and cultural immersion waiting us including Kuensel Phodrang / Buddha Point – 51.5 meters Shakyamuni Buddha statue and view of Thimphu valley. You can also opt for an hour’s hike around the Buddha. Besides, we also visit Memorial Chorten / Stupa – Congregation of devout Buddhists circumambulating the Chorten from dawn till dusk, Bhutan Postal Museum -make your personalized stamps with your photo and use them to send postcards to your family and friends around the world, Takin Preserve – Takin the national animal of Bhutan, Centenary Farmers Market/Kaja Throm, Craft Bazaar – single line of shops selling traditional made in Bhutan arts and crafts. If time permits, we will also explore Tashi Chho Dzong/ Fortress of Splendid Religion - office of the Golden Throne of the Dragon King.

Drive from Thimpu to Punakha with exploration on the way

Set off on a captivating 2-hour drive to Punakha and Wangdue valleys. Along the way, we catch your breath at Dochula Pass, 3,150 meters high. On clear days, one can witness the awe-inspiring snow-capped Himalayas. We will also explore the 108 chortens, Lobesa market and the famed Chime Lhakhang, the Temple of Fertility. Marvel at the newly renovated Wangdue Dzong and take a leisurely stroll through quaint market pockets.

Explore Punakha (The old capital)

Embark on an enriching 2-hour hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel, treated to captivating valley vistas, terraced paddy fields, and a meandering river. Explore the awe-inspiring Punakha Dzong, a Fortress of Great Bliss, and cross the longest iron suspension bridge on foot. Behold the breathtaking valley from Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery, where engaging interactions with English-speaking nuns await. The day wraps up with a comfortable night's stay at your Punakha hotel.

Drive from Punakha to Paro

Embark on a scenic 3-hour drive back to Paro. We check-in at the hotel and catch a quick rest.

Explore Paro and visit Paro Dzong

Visit Paro Dzong and meander through the quaint Paro town and the vibrant markets.

Hike to the iconic Takstang - The Tiger's Nest (3139m / 10300 ft) 5 to 6 hrs

Hike to the iconic Takstang - The Tiger's Nest (3139m / 10300 ft) 4 to 5 hrs | 9 kms (5.5 mi) After breakfast, we gear up for an invigorating hike to the most important cultural icon of Bhutan, Taktsang Monastery. The hike is a 3-hour uphill journey rewarded with a 2-hour downhill trek. On the way, we also visit Kyichu Lhakhang, an ancient temple dating back to the 7th century.

Archery and exploration

Later, you have the options to engage in traditional archery for some Bhutanese fun, and delve into the culinary culture with a Bhutanese cooking experience, either learning the craft or creating your own delectable meal.

Traditional hot stone bath

We end our trip with a traditional hot stone bath at a farmhouse in Paro - white round stones picked up from the riversides are roasted in fire until red hot and then immersed in a wooden tub of fresh spring water sprinkled with herbs. These hot stones baths are supposed to be very curative with numerous medicinal and healing properties and has been the practice since the ancient times in Bhutan. We have a farewell dinner with our team at the hotel.

Fly from Paro to Kathmandu

Swayambhunath stupa morning kora

Fly from Kathmandu to Chengdu

Fly to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet Autonomous Region

Tentative flight departure time from Chengdu: 08:00 and arrival in Lhasa: 10:25

Acclimatization, easy exploration around Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Market

You can rest for the day or go walking around for acclimatization. We will have a briefing over dinner.

Explore Potala Palace, and a traditional village near Lhasa

Our sightseeing tour begins with the magnificent Potala Palace. Its layered structure houses intricate chambers adorned with sacred art.

Explore Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery

After lunch, we continue our tour to Drepung Monastery which showcases exquisite architecture and peaceful courtyards. Later at Sera Monastery, we experience a tranquil ambiance against the backdrop of beautiful murals.

Drive from Lhasa to Shigatse via Yamdrok lake

Today, you'll drive to the stunning Yamdrok Lake in Tibet, passing over the high Kampa La (4750m) and Karo La (5010m) passes, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and turquoise waters. Enjoy breathtaking views, take beautiful photos, and explore this sacred lake, believed to be a goddess in transformation. Continue your drive to Gyantse to visit the 15th-century Pelkhor Monastery, renowned for its vivid murals, clay sculptures, and the coexistence of three Tibetan Buddhist sects (Gelug, Sakya, and Kagyu). If time allows, explore the chapels of the iconic Kumbum Stupa before continuing to Shigatse, Tibet's second-largest city, where you'll arrive in the late afternoon.

Drive from hotel to airport

Fly out of Lhasa