Day 1 - Arrive in Kathamndu (4430 ft): Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, you will complete the Tibet visa application form, and your original passport along with a passport-sized photo will be collected for visa processing. If time permits, you may explore the local surroundings at leisure.
Note: The recommended arrival date in Kathmandu is Sunday, so that your visa application can be submitted on Monday. If traveling from the USA, you will need to depart on Saturday to arrive in Kathmandu on Sunday.
Meal: Dinner
Accommodation: At Hotel in Kathmandu
Day 2 - Sightseeing in Kathmandu: Begin your day with a visit to the Swayambhunath Stupa, perched atop a hill overlooking the Kathmandu Valley. Familiarly known as the “Monkey Temple”, its golden spire crowns one of the oldest and most mystical shrines in the region, offering breathtaking panoramic views and a serene spiritual ambiance.
Next, visit Patan (Lalitpur), the valley’s oldest city. Explore Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its medieval palace, intricate wood and stone carvings, pagoda-style temples, and shimmering golden statues. Step inside the Patan Museum, housed within the former royal palace, to discover an exquisite collection of Hindu and Buddhist art, beautifully preserved in a restored historic setting.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: At Hotel in Kathmandu
Day 3 - Fly to Pokhara (2790 ft): A short and scenic flight will take you to the beautiful town Pokhara. The lush natural beauty of Pokhara, with its spectacular mountain views and tranquil lake, has quietly won the hearts of travelers from around the world. After check-in at the hotel, take a short boat ride on Fewa Lake, then visit the International Mountain Museums. Stroll around the colorful lakeside.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: At Hotel in Pokhara
Day 4 - Sightseeing in Pokhara: After breakfast, take a short drive to Pumdikot (1500m / 4920ft), a site of an ancient fort on a hilltop. Then take a pleasant short downhill hike to Peace Stupa. The hike is downhill and offers outstanding views of the Fewa Lake, Pokhara city and Himalayas in the background. Drive back to Pokhara for lunch. Rest of the day in leisure.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: At Hotel in Pokhara
Day 5 - Fly to Kathmandu: After breakfast, you will be transferred to Pokhara airport for a flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, visit Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most revered Hindu temple. Here, you can witness the sacred cremation rituals along the banks of the holy Bagmati River and experience the spiritual atmosphere of one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the country. The temple complex is rich in architecture, sculptures, and vibrant religious traditions, offering a profound glimpse into Nepali culture and spirituality. Continue to Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and an important center of Tibetan community and culture in Nepal.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: At Hotel in Kathmandu
Day 6 - Fly to Lhasa Gonggar Airport (11,700ft) / drive to Tsedang (11,480ft) 1 ½ hour drive: The adventure starts with an eye-opening flight to Lhasa flying over Himalayas. The adventure starts with an eye-opening flight to Lhasa flying over the Himalayas. After immigration formalities, you will be picked up by our representative and driven to Tsedang, which takes about 1 ½ hour. After checking in at your hotel, you are advised to take rest and avoid exertion for acclimatization.
Meal: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: At Hotel in Tsedang
Day 7 - Drive to Lhasa (12,000 ft) approx. 5 hours’ drive: Tsedang is the cradle of Tibetan civilization and the area is filled with important historical landmarks. In the morning, visit Yambulakhang (the first Palace of Tibet dates back to 2nd century BC). Then you will drive through spectacular landscape of Yarlung Tsangpo Valley to the Samey Monastery. Situated at the north side of Yarlung Tsangpo River also known as Brahmaputra River, the Samye monastery was the 1st monastery of Tibet built in the 8th century. Based on the Buddhist idea of the universe, the monastery was built in the shape of Mandala. Built in Tibetan, Chinese and Indian architectural styles, the Samye Monastery is known as an architectural wonder. After exploring the monastery, you will drive to Lhasa with spectacular views.
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: At Hotel in Lhasa
Day 8 - Sightseeing in Lhasa: Sightseeing in Lhasa: After breakfast, your guide will take you on a tour to Drepung Monastery. At the famous Drepung Monastery, you will get an insight into the important aspects of Tibetan Buddhism. It is the biggest monastic university of Lhasa, housing 7,700 monks in its heyday. After lunch, you will visit the beautiful Sera Monastery where you can observe monks debating and performing religious discourses. After the tour, you are escorted back to your hotel.
Meal: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: At Hotel in Lhasa
Day 9 - Sightseeing in Lhasa: You will be escorted to the majestic Potala Palace, whose imposing structure dominates the landscape of Lhasa. As you explore its ancient chambers, you’ll witness Tibetan art at its finest, with a vast collection of intricate murals and exquisite statues. The palace also houses the tombs of several Dalai Lamas.
Later, visit the 7th-century Jokhang Temple, the holiest shrine in Tibet, located in the heart of Lhasa. This sacred site offers yet another glimpse into Tibet’s rich cultural heritage. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll around Barkhor Square, a historic circular route that dates back to the temple’s foundation and remains one of the city’s oldest streets.
Note: Since entry to the Potala Palace is regulated by specific time slots and limited daily visitors, your sightseeing plan may be adjusted to ensure a smooth experience.
Meal: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: At Hotel in Lhasa
Day 10 - Drive to Shigatse (12,800 ft): After breakfast, check out from the hotel and begin your journey along the scenic Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway. En route, take a break to admire the turquoise waters of Yamdrok-tso Lake before continuing to Gyantse, a historic town famed for the golden-spired Kumbum Stupa, adorned with chapels and vibrant Tibetan murals. The day’s drive concludes in Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city.
Meal: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: At Hotel in Shigatse
Day 11 - Drive to Tashi Dzom (13,500 ft) 6 hours’ drive: Drive on Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway amidst picturesque landscape passing through the small town of Lhatse and Gyatcho La pass at 17125. As the route opens into plains, camps of nomadic herders become visible enroute to Tingri. From Tingri, you will enter the Qomolangma National Nature Preserve (QNNP). Qomolangma is the Tibetan name for Mt. Everest, meaning 'Holy Mother.' The drive ascends to the Gawu La Pass at 17,000 feet, which is acclaimed as one of the world's most stunning viewpoints. It offers a panoramic view of the Himalayas, with a lineup of the five highest peaks in the world including Mt. Everest, all towering above 8,000 meters." After a stunning downhill drive with switchbacks, you will arrive at Tashi Dzom.
Meal: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: At Hotel in Tashi Dzom
Day 12 – Tashi Dzom - North Everest Base Camp (16,400 ft) - Gyirong (8,900 ft) approx. 7 hours’ drive: After an early breakfast, take a pleasant ride on electric eco-bus to the Rongbuk Monastery (North Everest base Camp). Upon reaching Base Camp or Rongbuk, you can admire the majestic North Face of Everest if the skies are clear. After spending some time at Base Camp and visiting Rongbuk Monastery – one of the highest monasteries in the world – return to your hotel to check out, then drive to Saga.
Meal: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: At Hotel in Gyirong
Day 13 - Drive to Kathmandu, approx. 5 hours’ drive: After breakfast, drive to Tibet - Nepal border, where your guide will assist for Immigration formality. Here, you will part ways with your Tibetan guide and driver and walk across the border, where you will be met by your Nepali escort, who will drive you to Kathmandu. After approximately 4 ½ hours of scenic driving, you will arrive in Kathmandu.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: At Hotel in Kathmandu
Day 14 - Depart from Kathmandu: After breakfast, transfer to airport for your departure flight. Your unforgettable journey through Tibet and Nepal concludes today.
Meal: Breakfast
